Apollo Hospitals performs laser-assisted interventional procedure on 72-year- old patient

Apollo Hospitals has introduced an innovative Excimer laser
technology to remove infected pacemaker parts from patients' hearts quickly, saving them from
pacemaker infection and improving post-Pacemaker cardio care. Dr. A M Karthigesan, an
Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Apollo Hospitals, performed the cutting-
edge extraction procedure on a 72-year-old male patient with severe pocket infection and
abandoned infected leads in the heart. The patient showed significant progress after the
intervention.
The implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices, such as pacemakers, has increased in
recent years due to high survival rates and improved quality of life among patients with cardiac
rhythm disorders. However, the widespread use of these devices has also led to increased post-
implantation complications like pocket infections and lead dysfunction. Preetha Reddy,
Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, stated that Apollo Hospitals is a
trailblazer in adopting cutting-edge technology across specialties, as cardio-related ailments
affect a large portion of the population.
The Excimer laser system is safer and more efficient compared to other forms of extraction. It
emits a cool beam of ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength of 308 nanometers, breaking
down, vaporizing, and removing the adhesions through pulsed photo ablation. The laser
penetration depth is only 50 microns, making the procedure safe, efficient, and lifesaving.