Apollo Hospitals, Indore created history in 2025 by introducing Central India’s first Laser Atherectomy, marking a major leap forward in advanced cardiac care. This milestone was led by Dr. Sarita Rao, a senior interventional cardiologist and Director cathlab widely recognized for bringing cutting-edge technologies to the region. Since its launch, nearly 45 laser atherectomy procedures have already been successfully performed, offering new hope to patients with complex coronary artery disease who previously had limited treatment options.

Laser atherectomy, also known as Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA), is an advanced form of angioplasty that uses controlled ultraviolet laser energy to gently vaporize hardened plaque inside coronary arteries. Unlike conventional balloons that compress plaque against vessel walls, the laser modifies and debulks the blockage at a microscopic level, improving vessel compliance and facilitating safer stent delivery. This makes it especially valuable in heavily calcified lesions, chronic total occlusions, and cases of in-stent restenosis where routine angioplasty may fail.

Under Dr. Sarita Rao’s leadership, the introduction of ELCA has significantly expanded the scope of minimally invasive treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Indore. Many patients who would otherwise have required complex bypass surgery can now be treated through a catheter-based approach, with less pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. The procedure has proven particularly beneficial for elderly patients and those with multiple comorbidities, where surgical risk is high.

This achievement is not just about adopting new technology, but about redefining what is possible in regional cardiac care. By successfully performing Central India’s first laser atherectomy and rapidly building experience with the technique, Dr. Sarita Rao has once again demonstrated her commitment to innovation, precision, and patient-centered care. The availability of laser atherectomy in Indore ensures that patients no longer need to travel to metro cities for highly specialized coronary interventions.

The launch of ELCA at Apollo Hospitals, Indore stands as a landmark moment in the region’s healthcare journey transforming complex coronary disease from a surgical challenge into a treatable condition, and reaffirming Central India’s place on the map of advanced interventional cardiology.
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