PESHAWAR: Peshawar Institute of Cardiology has achieved a significant breakthrough in cardiac care, becoming the first in Pakistan to successfully introduce intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology.

This groundbreaking procedure represents a major advancement in angioplasty, offering a safer and more effective treatment for coronary artery disease, a press release said.

Dr Ali Raza, medical director at PIC and the cardiologist who led the IVL procedure, explained, “This cutting-edge technology uses sonic vibrations to shatter calcium deposits within hardened coronary arteries. This makes it possible to effectively open these arteries, improving blood flow to the heart and significantly reducing the risks associated with traditional methods.”

Dr Abid, head of cardiology at PIC, further elaborated on the benefits. “IVL, while initially developed for kidney stone treatment, is now successfully employed to break up calcium build-up in narrowed arteries using a specialized balloon catheter. This minimizes trauma to the artery, resulting in faster recovery times and reduced complication rates compared to traditional drilling techniques.”

He said the procedure’s success marks a significant improvement in the treatment of coronary artery disease in Pakistan. Patients will benefit from quicker recovery times, reduced post-operative discomfort, and a lower risk of complications.

Professor Dr Shahkar Ahmad Shah, dean and chief executive of PIC, stated, “The PIC team’s success with IVL represents a new chapter in cardiac care in Pakistan. This advancement significantly elevates the standard of healthcare in our country. The Peshawar Institute of Cardiology is proud to provide world-class cardiac care to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan.”

This achievement underscores PIC’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art cardiac care and training healthcare professionals in the latest medical advancements. The introduction of IVL therapy marks a crucial step towards improved cardiac health outcomes for patients across Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2025