In a landmark moment for Indian healthcare, the KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Belagavi has successfully performed a revolutionary surgical procedure. Their Department of Neuro and Vascular Interventional Radiology pioneered India’s first below-knee lithotripsy for peripheral vascular disease (PVD), providing renewed hope for patients suffering from severe arterial calcification.
This cutting-edge intervention, utilizing the advanced Meril Mason P lithotripsy device, marks a pivotal advancement in vascular treatment across the nation. Dr. Mohan D. Gan, Head of the Department, highlighted that this innovation ushers in a new era of vascular interventions, potentially leading to longer-lasting solutions for patients.
The hospital successfully treated two challenging cases. The first patient was a 68-year-old man with a complex medical history, including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and a previous cerebrovascular accident (CVA). He presented with persistent chest pain and a non-healing ulcer on his left foot, which had worsened despite ongoing antiplatelet medication, urgently requiring an advanced therapeutic approach.
The second case involved a 55-year-old man with a known history of PVD in his left lower limb. Although he had undergone a below-knee recanalization a year prior, he returned with debilitating claudication pain that had persisted for two months. Both individuals underwent thorough evaluation and were identified as ideal candidates for intravascular lithotripsy (IVL).
Intravascular lithotripsy is a groundbreaking technique that employs sonic pressure waves to precisely break down hardened, calcified plaques within blood vessels. This process effectively clears obstructions and significantly improves blood flow to affected areas, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.
A dedicated team of medical professionals carried out these intricate procedures. The team included experienced doctors and surgeons such as Abhinandan Ruge, Abhiman Baloji, Navin Mulimani, Iranna M. Hittalamani, and Basavaraj Biradar. They were ably supported by resident doctors Satyam Barchha, Priyanka S.V., Harsh Singh, Vijay Sooriyakumar, Goutham Reddy, Aakarsh Sinha, and others.
KLE Society Chairman Prabhakar Kore, along with other distinguished members, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for this outstanding achievement, which underscores the hospital’s commitment to leading-edge medical care.