Apollo Hospitals performs first-of-its-kind interventional procedure with laser technology on a 72-year-old pat ient, infected from pacemaker
Chennai, 28 June 2023: In an effort to save patients from pacemaker infection and enhance post-Pacemaker ca rdio care, Apollo Hospitals has introduced an innovative Excimer laser technology to remove the infected parts of the pacemaker from patient’s hearts swiftly. Dr. A M Karthigesan, Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophy siologist, Apollo Hospitals, recently performed this cutting-edge extraction procedure on a 72-year-old male pat ient.
The patient, who received a pacemaker 8 years ago, presented with symptoms of severe pocket infection with a bandoned infected leads in the heart. The patient showed significant progress after this unique intervention by the clinical team from Apollo Hospitals.
The implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices such as pacemakers has increased in the recent past, in light of high survival rates and improved quality of life among patients with cardiac rhythm disorders. Howev er, the widespread use of such cardiac electronic implantable devices is also accompanied by an increase in post-implantation complications like pocket infections and lead dysfunction.
Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Apollo Hospitals has established itse lf as a trailblazer in the adoption of cutting-edge technology across specialties. Cardio-related ailments affect a huge chunk of the population and it is imperative for clinical teams to track and adopt the latest advancements if we are to remain state of-the-art and cater to emerging concerns of the population. We are pleased to announce the adaptation of this laser-assisted technology for those with specific post-implantation concerns. The physicia ns at Apollo Hospitals possess the expertise and acumen required to perform such procedures successfully and provide an improved quality of life for our patients.”
Dr. A M Karthigesan, Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Apollo Hospitals, said, “We are please d to share that this intervention was performed successfully on one of our patients. The advancements in laser-based technology have proven to be crucial in the care and treatment of patients with cardiac rhythm ailments who received pacemaker kind of electronic devices. Sometimes, after pacemaker implantation, the lead wires t end to stick to the cardiac tissues due to fibrotic adhesions or scars that develop as the body begins to recover. T his can make extraction difficult. Failure to remove infected wires can lead to aggravated infection and other lif e-threatening complications.
Physicians may sometimes resort to open-heart surgery to remove infected wires. However, the Excimer laser sy stem is safer and more efficient compared to other forms of extraction.” The Excimer system emits a cool beam of ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength of 308 nanometers to precise ly break down, vaporize and remove th e adhesions. This part of the process is called pulsed photo ablation. In ad dition, the laser penetration depth is o nly 50 microns – which makes the procedure safe, efficient and lifesa ving.
About Apollo Hospitals:
It was in 1983, that Dr Prathap C Reddy made a pioneering endeavor by launching India’s first corporate hospital – Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Now, as Asia’s foremost trusted integrated healthcare group, its presence includes over 12,000 beds across 72 Hospitals and 5000 pharmacies, over 400 Primary Care clinics and 1228 Diagnostic c entres, 700 plus Teleclinics, over 15 medical education centres and a Research Foundation with a focus on globa l Clinical Trials. The most recent investment was the commissioning of South East Asia’s very first Proton Thera p y Centre in Chennai. Every four days, the Apollo Hospitals Group touches a million lives, in its mission to bring he althcare of internat ional standards within the reach of every individual.
In a rare honour, the Government of India had issued a com memorative stamp in recognition of Apollo’s contri bution, the first for a healthcare organization. Apollo Hospit als Chairman, Dr Prathap C Reddy, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2010. For 40 years, the Apollo Hospitals Group has continuously excell ed and maintained leadership in medical innov ation, world-class clinical services and cutting-edge technology. Its hospitals are consistently ranked amongst th e best hospitals in the country for advanced medical services.
