Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 22, 2015 : There is some good news for heart patients with the advent of medical imaging technique which allows the doctor to have a detailed look into the blood vessels of patient’s heart, from inside-out.

The technique known as Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), offers a three-dimensional detailed image of all the layers of the blood vessel. While, Angiography shows the narrowing of the blood vessel, it may not provide any information about the nature of the blockage or about the composition of the plaque. In current practice, IVUS is done in conjunction with angiography, and not as its replacement, says renowned cardiologist Dr Imad Sheiban, Director of Interventional Cardiology and Cath Lab, Pederzolli Hospital from Italy.

Speaking to media persons on Wednesday here, Dr Shebian explained as to how these procedures were earlier majorly attempted globally. However increasing access to advanced imaging technologies like i-Lab (IVUS) from Boston Scientific along with constant exchange of ideas and training between Indian and global key opinion leaders; such difficult cases are now being regularly and successfully attempted in India.

“I’m very pleased to be in India and visit Bhubaneshwar to interact with my colleagues here and exchange ideas & patient case studies with them. World over, the medical scientists are thriving to advance medical technologies, be it hardware, devices or techniques, for better patient care & safety. It is inevitable that such continuous advancements are known to medical practisoners everywhere and such technologies are made available in every corner of the world”, he remarked.

Dr Shebian was here to discuss with the city doctors, options available for treatment of left main and
bifurcation diseases, some of the most complex type of angioplasty cases.

Patients who have blocks in their Left Main Coronary Artery (also known as widow maker) had to undergo CABG (bypass surgery) until recently as the only option. However, with the increasing experience of the operators, availability of better hardware, intra coronary imaging techniques along with several support devices; treatment of such diseases by stenting is becoming widely accepted as an alternate to CABG in select group of patients.

This inside-out view of the blood vessel can give additional information to the doctor about the appropriate stent-size required. Once the stent has been placed inside the blood vessel, the inside view of the blood vessel through IVUS can also give information if the stent is covering the diseased area completely and if it is properly hugging the vessel wall, he added.

Dr P.K. Sahoo of the Apollo Hospital, here, who was also present on the occasion assured that patients in Odisha can receive long term clinical benefits enabled by an i-Lab (IVUS) assisted complex coronary procedure.

“We have the facility and the knowhow of such procedures locally that enhances patient results that this technology provides”, he said adding that the key to ensure proper treatment for heart ailments is creating awareness by government and non-government organizations.