Chennai: PROMED Hospital, Chennai, a leading centre for advanced cardiac and critical care has achieved a landmark medical feat by successfully performing a protected angioplasty on a 95-year-old man, one of the oldest patients in Asia to undergo such a complex cardiac intervention. The breakthrough redefines the possibilities of heart treatment in the elderly and underscores Promed’s leadership in geriatric cardiac care.
The patient, Mr. S, was admitted to Promed Hospital after suffering a major heart attack (NSTEMI) that severely weakened his heart function. Despite his advanced age and multiple pre-existing conditions — including hypertension, anemia, and a prior stroke in 2023 — the cardiac team, led by Dr. Arun Kalyanasundaram, Director & Head of Cardiology, undertook a highly complex yet precisely planned multi-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
To ensure maximum safety during this high-risk procedure, doctors utilized the Impella CP, a miniature heart pump that temporarily supports cardiac function. Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) imaging provided real-time, high-definition visuals to guide the precise stent placement.
Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) were successfully deployed in the Right Coronary Artery (RCA) and Left Main Artery (LMA), while Drug-Eluting Balloons (DEB) were used to clear blockages in the Posterior Left Branch (PLB) and Diagonal artery, a combination rarely attempted in patients of this age group.
The procedure was completed successfully without complications. Mr. S made an excellent recovery and has since been discharged in a stable condition. He has resumed light physical activity and daily interactions, marking a remarkable comeback for a patient of his age.
This case highlights that advanced cardiac procedures can be performed safely and effectively in nonagenarian patients when guided by expertise, technology, and individualized care.
Dr. Arun Kalyanasundaram, Director & Head of Cardiology, Promed Hospital, said “Performing angioplasty in a 95-year-old patient with multiple health challenges required not just technical skill but strategic restraint. Every step from risk evaluation to stent deployment was meticulously planned to ensure safety and long-term success. What makes this case remarkable is the precision and teamwork that enabled complete revascularization in such an elderly patient.”
Dr. Spoorthi Arun, Founder & Managing Director, Promed Hospital, added “We are dedicated to ensuring that advanced cardiac interventions are accessible to all, regardless of age. This successful protected angioplasty using the Impella heart pump exemplifies how technology, teamwork, and compassion come together at Promed to deliver safe outcomes, even in extremely high-risk situations.”
Mr. S, the 95-year-old patient, shared, “After the heart attack, I was told my heart was very weak and had several blockages. When the doctors said it could be treated, I had both fear and faith. Today, I feel stronger and grateful, I can enjoy conversations, short walks, and time with my family again. They didn’t just treat my heart; they gave me back my life.”
This protected angioplasty on Asia’s oldest patient marks a significant milestone in the evolution of geriatric cardiac care. It showcases India’s growing expertise in managing high-risk cardiac procedures with global standards of precision and safety.
