India (Commonwealth Union)_ Apollo Hospitals in Trichy has harnessed the potential of an Artificial Intelligence-enhanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging system to reshape the landscape of cardiac care. Medical professionals at the hospital have underscored the transformative impact of this advanced technology on diagnosing and managing heart-related conditions. By incorporating AI, this cutting-edge system enables in-depth analysis of intricate details regarding coronary blockages, offering automated quantification and substantially elevating the quality of cardiac care provided.
At a recent media conference, the cardiology team at Apollo Hospital, Trichy, highlighted the manifold advantages conferred by OCT in addressing heart ailments. Operating on the foundation of light-based technology, OCT deploys a camera-like lens within the heart’s blood vessels to capture tomographic images with microscopic precision. Functioning as a minimally invasive procedure integral to coronary intervention, it provides indispensable insights.
According to Dr. R. Ravindran, an interventional cardiologist, the OCT light camera adeptly identifies the presence of calcium within blood vessels, characterizes cholesterol plaque properties, and offers precise measurements of blood vessel dimensions. This information serves as a compass for cardiologists, aiding in the selection of appropriate stents and hardware for angioplasty procedures. Dr. A. Kader Sahib, Senior Consultant and Chief Cardiologist, explained the breadth of procedures facilitated by the Apollo team through OCT. Dr. Srikanth, a cardiovascular surgeon, highlighted high-risk coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries, valve replacements, pediatric interventions, and minimally invasive cardiac procedures that spare the sternum, leading to a fast recovery without visible scars.
According to the statement from the hospital, the use of intra-vascular imaging, especially OCT, in the context of angioplasty procedures has yielded better short- and long-term results. The seamless fusion of artificial intelligence with OCT technology has resulted in a new era of precision in cardiac care. This integration ensures high diagnostic precision and the formulation of customized treatment regimens, thus charting a path toward superior patient outcomes and well-tailored therapeutic strategies.
