AI-guided OCT procedure saves life of heart patient in Narasaraopet

Cardiologist Dr. Krishnakanth Garlapati of Sri Datta Hospital explains the AI-guided OCT procedure at Narasaraopet in Palnadu district. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Doctors at Sri Datta Hospital in Narasaraopet have successfully treated a critically ill 60-year-old woman using an advanced artificial intelligence-guided Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system, marking a major advance in cardiology procedures in the region.

According to the hospital, the patient was initially admitted to a local hospital with complaints of severe shortness of breath and excessive sweating. When her oxygen saturation level dropped to a critical 60%, she was rushed to Sri Datta Hospital. Cardiologist Dr. Krishnakanth Garlapati put her on ventilator support and ran diagnostic tests that revealed reduced blood flow to the heart.

After stabilizing her condition, doctors performed an angiogram, which revealed an 80% blockage in the right coronary artery. The medical team then implanted an OCT-guided bioresorbable scaffold (BRS), a next-generation stent that gradually dissolves over two to three years, leaving the blood vessel largely free of permanent metal debris.

Dr. Krishnakanth said the AI-based OCT system enables highly accurate imaging of the artery and helps doctors identify and repair improperly expanded stent struts that could cause future complications.

Published – 02 Jun 2026 23:38 IST