Patna: The All India Institute Of medical sciences (AIIMS), Patna has introduced a high-definition Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) system at its Department of Cardiology, a move expected to improve the accuracy and safety of complex coronary interventions performed at the institute.
The system was inaugurated on Saturday by Executive Director Prof. (Brig.) Dr Raju Agarwal.
Advanced imaging for coronary care
IVUS is an intracoronary imaging technology that provides real-time images from inside the coronary arteries. Unlike conventional angiography, which primarily shows blood flow, IVUS enables cardiologists to assess vessel size, plaque composition, calcium deposits and the extent of arterial blockages in greater detail.
Doctors said the technology would assist in selecting appropriate stent sizes, ensuring accurate stent placement and reducing complications during angioplasty procedures.
The institute stated that IVUS-guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) could improve diagnosis and long-term outcomes for patients with complex coronary artery disease. The technology is particularly relevant for high-risk cases such as left main coronary artery disease, heavily calcified lesions, recurrent blockages and multi-vessel disease.
Focus on affordable and localised treatment
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Agarwal said the addition of IVUS reflected AIIMS Patna’s effort to expand access to advanced cardiac care for patients from Bihar and neighbouring regions.
He said advanced medical technologies should not remain confined to metropolitan hospitals and added that affordable treatment closer to home was important for patients from economically weaker sections.
Boost to training and research
The institute also said the new system would support academic and research activities within the cardiology department.
According to Dr Agarwal, D.M. Cardiology students and young interventional cardiologists would gain practical exposure to imaging-guided procedures that are increasingly used internationally.
Head of the Department of Cardiology Prof. (Dr.) Anupam Bhambhani said IVUS-guided interventions have been associated globally with greater procedural precision, lower rates of stent failure and reduced need for repeat procedures.
He added that the technology could help reduce the number of patients travelling outside Bihar for advanced cardiac treatment, easing financial and logistical pressures on families.
AIIMS Patna said the installation of the IVUS system forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen interventional cardiology services and expand access to evidence-based healthcare in eastern India.
