Chandigarh, April 17, 2025: A team of doctors at Fortis Hospital Mohali led by Dr RK Jaswal, Head of Department and Director of Cardiology and Director – Cathlabs has recently treated an 88-year-old diabetic man, who had been suffering from prolonged coronary artery disease and was experiencing severe chest pain. The patient was immediately rushed for Laser Coronary Angioplasty, also known as Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA), which revealed heavy calcium deposits in the stent deployed more than 30 years ago in his heart’s coronary arteries, along with thrombus (blood clot) andsevere blockage of stent.
The Patiala-based patient had undergone angioplasty about 30 years ago in New Delhi. The stent blockage with heavy calcium deposit and clot formation inside the stent were causing severe chest pain and discomfort in him. However, the symptoms were severe and recurrent despite optimal medical management. Since the patient was in critical condition, none of the hospitals in Patiala admitted him and took the risk of performing any high risk cardiac intervention. His family members immediately rushed him to the Fortis Hospital, Mohali for the advanced treatment options.
Considering the patient’s age and critical condition, Dr Jaswal conducted Laser Coronary Angioplasty, wherein high-intensity laser light was used to remove blockages in his blocked coronary arteries, without wasting any further time. This procedure is the latest and most advanced technology for patients suffering from multiple heart blockages in previously deployed stent. The Patient had a smooth post-operative recovery and was discharged within two days after the surgery.
Discussing the benefits of ELCA in such critical cases, Dr Jaswal, said, “ELCA is a breakthrough in heart treatment. Unlike routine angioplasty, which can lead to the sudden blockage of arteries and clot formation, ELCA completely annihilates the material blocking the heart arteries, leaving no risk of further complications. This makes it a safer and more effective option, especially for patients with high clot loads or those who have previously undergone stent treatments. For patients with complex coronary heart disease, including small vessel disease, bifurcation blockages, and those with failed stents or bypass grafts, ELCA is a game-changer. It reopens blocked arteries more effectively, providing relief where traditional methods fall short and reducing the chances of future heart attacks.”
Dr Jaswal further added, “Laser is extremely helpful in patients who have undergone bypass surgery in the past and come back with heart diseases again due to blocked bypass grafts. In such cases, laser can restore blood flow in the degenerated grafts much more effectively than routine angioplasty and stenting with distal protection device.”
About Fortis Healthcare
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,700 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.
