"Excimer laser plays a crucial role in CAD treatment today"

Patient outcome being the key to all medical interventions, Excimer Laser Atherectomy is gaining popularity today. Healthcare Radius interviewed Padma Shri Dr Praveen Chandra, Chairman - Interventional & Structural Heart Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Heart Institute, Medanta, to understand its benefits to patients and doctors. Excerpts of the interview.

How serious is the incidence of coronary artery diseases (CAD) in India?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious issue and a leading cause of death in India. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, ischemic heart disease (a type of CAD) caused 1.7 million deaths in India in 2019, accounting for 17.8 percent of total deaths. Furthermore, the age of onset of CAD in India is much earlier than in western countries, with a higher prevalence in males, and those with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

What treatment options are used to treat CAD today?

The choice of treatment depends on a patient's condition, severity of disease, and presence of comorbidities.An approach combining therapies, treatments may help manage CAD. Some treatment options are: