The Advanced Cardiac Centre (ACC) of PGIMER, Chandigarh, marked another significant milestone by successfully broadcasting a complex live case of post-cardiac surgery, bypass graft angioplasty to the prestigious National Interventional Council (NIC 2025), held in Mumbai from June 26–29.
The live procedure was performed on June 28, by a team from the Department of Cardiology, ACC PGI, under the expert supervision and guidance of professor (Dr) Rajesh Vijayvergiya. The case was transmitted live from PGIMER’s state-of-the-art catheterisation laboratory to an audience of national and international experts attending the scientific meeting.
The patient was an elderly male who had undergone coronary bypass surgery 15 years ago and coronary angioplasty of one of the blocked bypass grafts four years ago. He presented with chest pain due to blockage of a previously implanted stent and new blockages of other bypass grafts. During the live case broadcast, two bypass grafts were successfully treated using advanced interventional strategies, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) — techniques that are available at only a select few centres in India.
“These are technically demanding procedures requiring specialised skills and precision. It reflects our ongoing commitment to offering world-class cardiac care at an affordable cost,” stated Vijayvergiya. The live case stimulated an engaging panel discussion among eminent national and international cardiologists, who shared insights on lesion complexity, tool selection, and alternative treatment strategies. The session provided a valuable educational platform, highlighting the evolving best practices in interventional cardiology.
“These live case demonstrations, regularly broadcast from the department of Cardiology, PGI, to major scientific forums nationally and internationally, serve as powerful tools for professional development. They help interventional cardiologists stay updated with novel and evidence-based techniques, fostering continuous improvement in patient care,” added Vijayvergiya.
