Smt. Vijaya (name changed for privacy protection), a resilient 96-year-old woman, had been grappling with ongoing chest pain despite having undergone angioplasty in the past. Concerned about her worsening symptoms, her family approached Dr. Priya Palimkar for treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment:
Smt. Vijaya’s chest pain persisted despite medication. Upon thorough examination and careful consultation with her family, it became evident that Smt. Vijaya’s chest pain required further investigation. An angiography was performed, which revealed not only the presence of new calcified blockages in her left anterior descending (LAD) artery but also a severely tortuous aorta. The complexity of her case was compounded by the age-related calcifications, making it a delicate and high-risk procedure.
To ensure precision, Dr. Palimkar utilized advanced imaging techniques, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which allowed her to meticulously assess the extent of the calcium buildup within the artery walls. With a comprehensive understanding of the situation, Dr. Palimkar devised a treatment plan that involved using a cutting balloon technique specifically designed to break down the hardened calcium deposits. This step was critical in successfully deploying stents to restore proper blood flow to the heart.