Apollo Chennai Achieves Breakthrough in Complex Coronary Care with Advanced CHIP & ELCA Laser Techniques

Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, has set a new standard in complex cardiac care by successfully treating two high-risk coronary cases. Leveraging the advanced CHIP (Complex High-Risk Indicated Procedure) technique and ELCA (Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty), the institution reaffirms its leadership in addressing complex coronary blockages with precision, innovation, and patient-centric expertise. 

The team reopened a completely occluded 12-year-old stent using laser angioplasty, restoring blood flow in a challenging, long-standing blockage. In the second case, a 15-year-old stent with severe restenosis and an ejection fraction of just 30 percent required a tailored, high-risk intervention. Supported by IABP (Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump) and ELCA laser therapy, the team successfully cleared the blockage and placed a new-generation stent. Both patients made excellent recoveries and were discharged within 48 hours.

These procedures were led by Dr. Refai Showkathali, Senior Consultant and Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, along with the skilled Cath Lab team. Apollo Hospitals also expressed appreciation for the expert insights contributed by Dr. Jaswindar Singh from Washington during the interventions. 

With each such breakthrough, Apollo Chennai continues to enhance outcomes for patients with complex coronary disease, setting new benchmarks in advanced interventional cardiology.