Advanced Treatment for Elderly Patient with Heart Artery Calcium Deposits

Kurnool: Addressing stubborn calcium deposits in heart arteries has always been a complex challenge. While balloon-based treatments were commonly used in the past, a groundbreaking new treatment called Rotapro Rotablation is now available. This innovative procedure was recently performed successfully by Dr. Nagendra Prasad Thota, a senior interventional cardiologist at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, on a 73-year-old patient. Dr. Thota shared insights about this advanced treatment.

“The elderly patient experienced a severe heart attack. Upon examination, we found significant calcium buildup in his arteries. Due to his age and other complications, conventional angioplasty and bypass surgery were not viable options. Instead, we opted for the cutting-edge Rotapro Rotablation treatment. This technology represents a significant advancement. Previous rotablation devices required pedal operation, whereas the Rotapro system is operated manually. It features a diamond-tipped tool that efficiently and precisely removes even the most complex deposits. This advancement improves patient safety and provides superior results compared to older techniques such as cutting balloons, scoring balloons, and lithotripsy. The new Rotapro system also reduces procedure time, fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, and radiation dose, leading to better outcomes for patients,” Dr. Thota explained.

Dr. Thota also discussed the causes of calcium deposits and preventive measures: Causes of Calcium Deposits: Calcium buildup in the heart arteries is common in older adults, beginning around the age of 40. Contributing factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, and long-term kidney disease. Smoking accelerates the formation of deposits in the heart arteries.

Preventive Measures: To prevent calcium buildup, individuals should follow these guidelines:

• Adhere to prescribed medications to control blood pressure.
• Maintain cholesterol levels within the recommended range.
• Avoid high-fat and processed foods.
• Manage diabetes effectively.
• Make lifestyle changes to maintain heart health, including:
• Consuming heart-healthy foods.
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Engaging in regular physical exercise.
• Keeping weight in check.