By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : April 24, 2026 2:12 pm
Minimally invasive laser-based procedure restores blood flow in complex arterial blockage, enables next-day discharge and improved mobility
KIMS Hospitals, Thane, has successfully managed a complex case of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in an 88-year-old female patient using advanced excimer laser atherectomy technology, marking a notable advancement in minimally invasive vascular treatment.
The patient, who had diabetes, hypertension and a history of stroke, presented with severe rest pain and toe gangrene. Diagnostic imaging revealed a major arterial blockage in the leg. She underwent an endovascular procedure using the Philips Excimer 300 laser system along with a specialised laser atherectomy catheter, which helped clear the blockage and restore blood flow. The patient showed significant improvement and was discharged the next day, able to walk comfortably.
The excimer laser system uses ultraviolet (308 nm) energy to precisely break down arterial plaque without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. It is particularly useful in treating chronic total occlusions (CTOs), where arteries are completely blocked and difficult to manage using conventional angioplasty or stenting.
Unlike traditional angioplasty, which relies on widening the artery and placing stents, or mechanical atherectomy techniques that physically remove plaque but carry risks such as vessel injury or distal embolization, excimer laser atherectomy enables controlled, layer-by-layer plaque removal. This reduces procedural complexity and improves safety, especially in elderly and high-risk patients.
The system also allows adjustable energy delivery based on lesion type and severity, enabling greater precision and better clinical outcomes. Globally, excimer laser technology has been used in over 600,000 procedures and is widely regarded for managing complex vascular disease.
Dr. Ritesh Gaikwad, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, KIMS Hospitals Thane, said, “The excimer laser technology gives us a significant advantage in treating complex and completely blocked arteries. Its precision allows us to remove blockages layer by layer, improving success rates even in high-risk and elderly patients. The chances of distal embolization and dissections are minimal.”
Dr. Vinit Paliwal, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, added, “With advanced laser systems, we can now address challenging vascular conditions with minimal invasion. The ability to customise energy delivery based on the lesion makes the treatment both safer and more effective, ultimately helping us achieve better limb salvage outcomes.”