Laser angioplasty is a technique where laser light used to remove blockages in coronary arteries that are traditionally labelled, ‘not treatable’ with angioplasty. In a laser angioplasty procedure, a catheter is inserted into an artery that emits advanced laser light ray that eliminates tough blockages in its path that could not have been achieved with conventional angioplasty.

This procedure eliminates the conventional need for open-heart surgery in many patients, enhancing the quality of life for the patient, while also enabling the patient to go back home within 24 hours of the procedure.

Dr A B Gopalamurugan, who heads the advanced heart treatments division of Kauvery Hospital is an expert in laser angioplasty who has introduced this to India.