Dr Prabhu Halkati and his team celebrate the successful procedure with joy and pride.
Photo Credits: Louis Rodrigues
BELAGAVI
Arihant Hospital Belagavi has achieved a major medical milestone by successfully performing the first Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)-guided Orbital Atherectomy procedure in North Karnataka and Goa. The procedure was carried out on a 70-year-old patient suffering from severe triple vessel disease. This advanced, high-risk angioplasty used the latest Orbital Atherectomy technology, setting a new standard in cardiac care.
The patient had multiple heavily calcified blockages in the coronary arteries, making traditional angioplasty and stenting both ineffective and risky. Senior Interventional Cardiologist Dr Prabhu Halkati led the procedure, while Dr Ambrish Nerlikar, an intensivist, and his team played a crucial role in the patient’s recovery and stabilisation.
“Orbital Atherectomy is used to open calcified blockages (plaque) before angioplasty, with a microscopic drill cleaning the arteries thoroughly, facilitating smooth blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attacks. The procedure is then done with a thin catheter, ensuring safe and successful stent placement,” Dr Halkati said.
Unlike routine angioplasty, where calcified arteries may prevent proper stent expansion, Orbital Atherectomy breaks down calcium into microscopic pieces, which are safely flushed out through the capillaries. This technique is especially beneficial for patients with severely calcified coronary arteries.
“This is a proud moment not just for Arihant Hospital, but for the entire North Karnataka and Goa region,” Dr Dixit said. “We remain committed to introducing the most advanced medical technologies, ensuring that patients in our region receive world-class treatment without having to travel to metro cities.”
Dr MD Dixit, MD and CEO of Arihant Hospital, along with directors Abhinandan Patil and Uttam Patil, congratulated the medical team on this remarkable achievement.
They stated that this milestone paves the way for more life-saving procedures in the future, benefiting patients across North Karnataka and Goa.
