Japanese Cardiologist Leads Successful Complex CTO Angioplasty at Manipal Hospital, Kolkata
Kolkata: A 59-year-old man from Kolkata has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing a highly complex Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) angioplasty at Manipal Hospital, Broadway, performed under the supervision of Dr. Norihiro Kobayashi, a renowned Interventional Cardiologist from Yokohama City Hospital, Japan.
The patient, admitted under Dr. Arijit Ghosh, Head of the Department – Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Broadway, presented with complaints of chest pain during exertion. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed critical blockage in the left coronary artery and complete (100%) blockage in the right coronary artery, a condition known as CTO.
CTOs develop gradually over time and are among the most challenging coronary blockages to treat. Due to the hardened nature of the blockage, most patients are traditionally advised to undergo coronary bypass surgery. However, recent advances in interventional cardiology have made it possible to treat many CTO cases through minimally invasive angioplasty, aided by Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and micro-guidewire technology, requiring exceptional precision.
The complex procedure was carried out during a specialized coronary workshop at Manipal Hospital, Broadway, with Dr. Kobayashi serving as the international proctor. The Cath Lab team was led by Dr. Subhasis Roy Chowdhury, Director – Cath Lab, Manipal Hospital, Broadway. Using advanced hardware, IVUS imaging, and specialized wires, the team successfully opened the completely blocked artery.
The patient recovered well post-procedure and is expected to be discharged within a day — a significant advantage compared to open-heart bypass surgery, which typically involves longer hospital stays and recovery periods.
Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Subhasis Roy Chowdhury said:
“CTO interventions represent the most advanced level of cardiac procedures performed in cath labs worldwide. The success of this case highlights how the use of cutting-edge technology and expert collaboration can change the treatment course for patients who might otherwise require bypass surgery.”
Dr. Arijit Ghosh, HOD – Interventional Cardiology, added:
“For patients with completely blocked arteries, the idea of open-heart surgery can be daunting. Treating such a case through angioplasty, without opening the chest, and witnessing such quick recovery is deeply rewarding. Dr. Kobayashi’s presence and his expertise in CTO techniques greatly enriched the procedure. International collaborations like these empower us to deliver world-class cardiac care right here in Kolkata.”
Dr. Norihiro Kobayashi also shared insights during the workshop, noting that in Japan, the number of bypass surgeries has declined significantly in recent years due to rapid advancements in interventional cardiology, making angioplasty the preferred option for most patients — offering lower complication rates and faster recovery.
The success of such advanced CTO angioplasties at Manipal Hospital, Broadway underscores the hospital’s commitment to offering cutting-edge, minimally invasive cardiac treatments, enabling patients to enjoy shorter hospital stays, faster return to daily life, and an enhanced overall recovery experience.
