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PESHAWAR, May 30 (APP):In a landmark medical achievement, the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) has become the first healthcare facility in Pakistan to successfully introduce and perform Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL), a cutting-edge procedure in the treatment of coronary artery disease.
This innovative technique marked a major advancement in angioplasty, offering a safer, more precise method to treat hardened and calcified arteries, said the spokesperson here on Friday.
Unlike traditional techniques, IVL uses sonic pressure waves to break down calcium deposits within artery walls, significantly improving blood flow to the heart with reduced procedural risks.
Dr Ali Raza, Medical Director at PIC and the cardiologist who led the procedure, explained, “IVL utilized sonic vibrations to shatter calcium buildup in hardened arteries, enabling us to open them effectively and restore proper blood circulation. It greatly reduces complications typically associated with conventional angioplasty.”
Dr Abid, Head of Cardiology at PIC, added that IVL—originally developed for kidney stone treatment—has now proven to be a revolutionary tool in cardiac care.
“The procedure uses a balloon catheter to deliver controlled sonic pulses, minimizing trauma to the artery. This results in faster recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional techniques like rotational atherectomy,” he said.
The successful implementation of IVL is a significant step forward in the treatment of coronary artery disease in Pakistan, he said adding patients stand to benefit from shorter hospital stays, reduced post-operative pain, and better overall outcomes.
Professor Dr Shahkar Ahmad Shah, Dean and Chief Executive of PIC, hailed the achievement as a milestone in Pakistan’s medical landscape.
“This is a proud moment for PIC and for healthcare in Pakistan. We are committed to delivering world-class cardiac care, and the successful adoption of IVL technology brings us closer to that goal,” he said.
The introduction of IVL at PIC not only enhances the institute’s capabilities but also underscores its role as a national leader in cardiac innovation and medical training.
This milestone reaffirms PIC’s dedication to improving cardiac care standards across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the entire country, he noted.