Nobel Medical College conducts angioplasty sans stent for heart patient
The procedure, known as Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty (DCB), was performed for the first time on a patient at the hospital, according to hospital sources.
KATHMANDU: In a medical breakthrough at Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar, a patient underwent angioplasty without stent placement for coronary artery blockage.
The procedure, known as Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty (DCB), was performed for the first time on a patient at the hospital, according to hospital sources.
Three years ago, a resident of Sandakpur Municipality in Ilam district experienced chest pain. Initially treated with medications, his condition worsened over time.
He was subsequently airlifted to Siliguri, India, where a stent was placed to address the blockage.
However, recurrence of chest pain led to another visit to Siliguri, followed by immediate evaluation and treatment at a local hospital in Jhapa
Further treatment was provided at Nobel Medical College, under the leadership of renowned cardiac specialist Prof. Dr. Rajesh Nepal, where it was found that the stent inserted three years ago had developed a blockage. Subsequently, the patient underwent Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty without stent placement.
Following successful treatment, the patient was discharged in stable condition.
According to Professor Dr. Rajesh Nepal, the procedure of stent insertion for angioplasty is now an alternative approach. This technique involves the use of a drug-coated balloon to widen narrowed arteries, facilitating blood flow.
This method helps open the narrowed portion of the artery, allowing for smooth circulation of blood.
However, as of today, Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty cannot be performed in all cases where stent placement would traditionally be considered.
Nevertheless, when a previously inserted stent develops a blockage, this technique proves effective in treating the condition. In cases where blood vessels are blocked at two locations, or where stent placement is not feasible in smaller arteries, this method becomes an effective solution.
According to him, this is an easy technique and it is also technically easy.
The risk is also reduced. It is a new technique and its success rate is also good. This begs the question, does it displace the stent? But it does not completely replace the stent.
Based on the effectiveness of this technique, drug-coated balloon angioplasty can be performed instead of stents in 50% cases.
