Apollo Hospitals have implemented a pioneering set of techniques to treat complex heart blocks

Chennai, 25 October 2023: In an effort to uphold standards of clinical excellence and elevate standards of care for those with cardiological conditions, a team of doctors from Apollo Hospital have implemented a pioneering set of techniques to treat complex heart blocks.  The team, led by interventional cardiologist Dr Sengottuvelu G, recently demonstrated the specialized techniques at prestigious international forums in association with Asian Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology and European Bifurcation Club and received peer acclaim. 

Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (Complex PCI) are stent procedures done in advanced coronary artery disease. The success of these procedures can be challenging as the burden of cardiovascular diseases in India is high and patients seek medical attention late only when their heart condition has reached an advanced and often critical stage. Late presentation can complicate the treatment process and increase the complexity of interventions. 

Recognising these unique challenges, Apollo Hospitals has established an evolving approach that combines a suite of advanced techniques such as Laser, Rotablation, Shock Wave Lithotripsy, Orbital Atherectomy and Cutting Balloon. These techniques are customised and combined to meet the patients need to reduce complications and increase success rates. 

Complex PCI in India involves addressing intricate coronary lesions, often characterized by heavy calcification or total occlusions (blocks). These lesions can significantly impede blood flow to the heart, leading to symptoms like chest pain and increased risk of heart attacks. 

Notable cases include the successful treatment of a 75-year-old lady with a densely calcified lesion, the recovery of a 54-year-old doctor with left main disease and the recovery of a 77-year-old patient  with previous bypass surgery who had  a cardiac arrest at his house. 

The application of these ground-breaking procedures such as TRILASER TRIPSY, ROTASHOCK and ORBICUT by the Apollo Hospitals team have not only improved their survival and quality of their life but have also raised the bar for the treatment of complex heart blocks.

Ms Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Hearty congratulations to Dr Sengottuvelu and his team on the breakthrough procedures! This feat is testimony to the fact that our healthcare model matches global standards, is in sync with the latest in medicine and is powered by top minds. Our surgeons bring skill, experience and insight to their practice and we are delighted that they have earned acclaim on the global stage. We at Apollo Hospitals recognize that cardiology is a key specialty and will thus continue to invest in cutting-edge equipment in this space to ensure our doctors are able to deliver exemplary care and achieve optimal outcomes.” 

Dr Sengottuvelu, Interventional Cardiologist and Clinical Lead, Structural Heart Disease Programme, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “The cardiovascular disease burden in our country is high, due to a range of factors such as lifestyle, stress and genetics. As a result, we are faced with a vast and diverse case pattern. However, we as medical professionals are required to customize solutions in line with the needs of our patients. By combining various techniques, we have created comprehensive solutions to deal with the specific issue of blockages and enhance life expectancy. We have observed that this synergy-based approach has significantly improved the success and ensured the best long term outcomes for our patients.”