The city-based Ruby Hall Clinic has introduced new technique in stroke prevention with the introduction of carotid angioplasty, renal angioplasty, peripheral angioplasty and coronary angioplasty that remove blockages of vein in the brain, abdomen and the leg in just thirty minutes.

The noted cardiac surgeon Dr Subba Rao Myla introduced this technique in the clinic. Dr Myla, who has to his credit over 450 carotid angioplasty operations in the last 10 years, is director of the Fountain Valley Hospital in California and is a study researcher of the Saffire project.

Around dozen carotid, renal, peripheral and coronary angioplasty surgeries were conducted at the hospital and approximately 20 doctors from the city were trained in the technique.

Dr Myla said that the major complication in carotid artery disease was stroke, which has become the third leading cause of death in the US. “Of the 750000 strokes a year 167661 resulted in death,” he added. He informed that endovascular treatment of carotid artery disease can prevent stroke.

Carotid surgery is done under local anesthesia. The carotid, renal, peripheral and coronary angioplasties will cost between Rs.1 lakh – Rs.2 lakh depending upon the stents used and whether the block is in the neck, abdomen or the leg, informed Dr Purvez Grant.

Dr Subba Rao Myla in association with Johnson and Johnson Cordis would also be conducting workshops on carotid angioplasty in Bangalore, Vellore and Chennai.