Dr (Col) Dayanand addressing media persons along with Dr Abhinandan Ruge, Dr Abhiman Baloji, Dr Navin Mulimani and others.
BELAGAVI
In a landmark achievement for Indian healthcare, the Department of Neuro and Vascular Interventional Radiology at KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre has successfully performed the country’s first-ever below-knee intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) for peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This advanced, minimally invasive procedure marks a significant step forward in the treatment of complex arterial calcifications, Medical Director of the Hospital Dr (Col) Dayanand told media persons.
“The breakthrough was led by Dr Abhinandan Ruge (MD, FVIR) and Dr. Abhiman Baloji (MD, DM), alongside a multidisciplinary team including Dr Navin Mulimani, Dr Iranna M Hittalamani, Dr Basavaraj Biradar, and a team of medical residents. The procedure was carried out using the cutting-edge Meril Mason P lithotripsy system, a device that delivers sonic pressure waves via a balloon catheter to fracture calcified plaque in arteries and restore healthy blood flow,” Dr Dayanand said.
Dr Ruge said that PVD, a condition that compromises blood circulation to the limbs, can lead to critical complications such as ulcers, pain, and limb loss. The team treated two high-risk patients with severe symptoms and histories of diabetes, hypertension, prior angioplasty, and stroke. Both had extensive below-knee arterial blockages unresponsive to conventional treatments.
“ In both cases, angiograms confirmed heavily calcified blockages. IVL was performed using balloon catheters sized 3 x 40 mm and 3.5 x 60 mm, successfully cracking the calcium and allowing for safer angioplasty. Post-procedure imaging showed remarkable restoration of blood flow and improved vessel patency,” Dr Ruge ascertained.
According to KLE Hospital authorities, the success of this first-in-India procedure highlights the hospital’s commitment to clinical innovation and excellence in vascular care. The collaborative effort sets a precedent for the broader adoption of IVL technology across the country, potentially transforming treatment for thousands battling advanced PVD.
KLES Chairman Dr Prabhakar Kore has stated that the success is the result of the KLES teams continuous and sustained efforts to get the global medical facilities for the benefit of the patients in Belagavi, Maharashtra and Goa region.
