AI-powered imaging and advanced techniques set to transform cardiac care in kolkata

Time of India

05-05-2025

AI-driven equipment, which provides high-resolution imaging of coronary vessels and helps to identify and treat complex cardiac blockages better, is set to make its debut in Kolkata and promises to revolutionise cardiac treatment, taking it to the next level. City hospitals are also on the verge of introducing several other high-end cardiac treatment technologies, including a diamond-tipped device to cleanse clogged cardiac arteries using shockwaves.
Some of these state-of-the-art technologies were showcased at a workshop organised by Charnock Hospital on 'Advanced Complex Angioplasty Workshop', which included live case demonstrations by internationally acclaimed interventional cardiologist Salvatore Brugaletta from Barcelona, Spain. The event was attended by over 50 senior interventional cardiologists from across Bengal, along with super-specialty cardiology trainees from across the state.
The workshop also showcased advanced interventional techniques, including Rotational Atherectomy (Rota Ablation)—which uses a diamond-tipped burr rotating at 160,000 to 180,000 RPM to break down hardened calcium plaques—and Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL), which employs acoustic shock waves to treat calcified arterial blockages.
Charnock Hospital interventional cardiologist Tapobrata De, who played a key role in the workshop, performed live demonstrations of complex angioplasty procedures, incorporating the latest technologies along with Brugaletta. "We recently acquired an AI-driven intravascular imaging (IVUS) machine, which provides high-resolution imaging of coronary vessels. This helps in better decision-making for treating complex coronary blockages," said De.
Artificial Intelligence-driven intravascular imaging will transform vascular diagnostics and intervention, said Avik Bhattacharyya, head of radiology at CMRI Hospital. "It will have high accuracy in identifying and classifying plaque types (fibrous, calcified, necrotic) from Intravascular Ultrasound images. It will also detect vulnerable plaques, real-time quantification of stenosis and plaque burden providing more consistent assessments. AI will be able to guide stent sizing and placement by suggesting optimal landing zones and predicting the risk of complications. It will also ensure proper stent expansion and apposition, reducing risk."
"As cardiac technologies evolve, more and more non-surgical procedures are becoming available. Patients are also more aware and they are seeking interventional invasive non-surgical options for tackling serious heart ailments. Our proposition would be from primary to quaternary care, from ECG to transplant, offering the entire range of services and therapies to our patients," said Prashant Sharma, Managing Director, Charnock Hospitals.
Early detection of cardiac and multiple other diseases is now possible with AI, said Fortis Hospital cardio-thoracic surgeon KM Mandana, who was part of a project to develop a vest that detects heart blockages. "In association with IIT-Kharagpur, we developed this device over a decade that picks up phono-cardiographic signals indicating blocks. Using lifestyle data and factoring in genetic reasons, we can now predict if the person is likely to have blockages and how soon they could trigger a heart condition. Early detection is now possible with AI," said Mandana.
"Workshops like these, with live case demonstrations by international faculty, provide an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements and exchange knowledge with colleagues. Given the positive response from senior cardiologists, we plan to organise similar workshops every three months, bringing in experts from across the country and abroad," said De. The initiative was aimed at ensuring that patients in West Bengal have access to advanced cardiac treatment without the need to travel outside the state. "By staying updated with new techniques and technologies, we can improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients," he added.
"Such platforms allow for meaningful exchanges on new innovations and techniques, which benefit both physicians and patients. I look forward to future collaborations," Salvatore Brugaletta said.