Mysuru: Avant BKG Hospitals has launched next-generation, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled high-definition intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technology and announced plans to introduce minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), expanding its range of advanced heart treatment options for patients in Mysuru and neighbouring districts.
The IVUS technology was launched by Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar at the hospital premises on Saturday. The event was attended by senior hospital officials and specialists from its cardiology and cardiothoracic and vascular surgery departments.
The hospital said the introduction of IVUS would support doctors in assessing complex coronary artery disease and performing angioplasty procedures with greater precision. The planned addition of MICS is intended to expand surgical options for eligible patients, depending on their individual medical conditions.
IVUS technology to support precision in cardiac procedures
Intravascular ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses a specialised ultrasound probe inserted into a blood vessel to produce detailed images from inside the artery. In coronary interventions, the technology can help cardiologists assess the dimensions of a blood vessel, examine plaque and evaluate the position and expansion of stents.
Dr J Rajagopal, Director of the Department of Cardiology and Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Avant BKG Hospitals, said the technology would assist doctors in planning and carrying out complex angioplasty procedures.
“In interventional cardiology, precision is critical, particularly when treating complex coronary artery disease,” he said.
Dr Rajagopal explained that IVUS provides a detailed view from inside the blood vessel, helping doctors assess its internal dimensions and plaque characteristics. It can also help evaluate stent placement and expansion, supporting decisions during treatment.
The technology is particularly relevant in procedures where doctors need detailed information about the artery to guide the placement of a stent. Such imaging can complement conventional angiographic assessment and help clinicians make more informed procedural decisions.
The hospital described the system as AI-enabled and high-definition. Further technical details about the equipment and the specific AI functions available on the platform were not provided in the announcement.
Hospital plans minimally invasive cardiac surgery services
Alongside the IVUS launch, Avant BKG Hospitals announced plans to introduce minimally invasive cardiac surgery services. The proposed expansion is expected to provide additional treatment approaches for selected patients requiring heart surgery.
Dr S C Madhuprakash, Director of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery and Senior CTVS Surgeon at the hospital, said cardiac treatment must be tailored to each patient’s condition.
He noted that comprehensive cardiac care could involve catheter-based interventions, valve repair or replacement, bypass surgery and other specialised surgical procedures.
The planned introduction of MICS would expand the options available to doctors when selecting suitable procedures for patients, he said, with the aim of reducing surgical trauma where clinically appropriate.
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery generally involves performing selected heart procedures through smaller incisions or specialised surgical access techniques rather than the conventional approach used in many open-heart operations. Depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition, these techniques may reduce tissue disruption and support recovery.
However, not every patient is suitable for minimally invasive surgery. The choice of procedure depends on factors including the nature and complexity of the heart condition, the patient’s overall health and the assessment of the treating surgical team.
The hospital has not announced a specific date for the commencement of its MICS services or detailed which procedures will initially be offered.
Focus on expanding specialised healthcare in Mysuru
Speaking at the launch, MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar highlighted the importance of strengthening specialised healthcare facilities in Mysuru and the surrounding region.
He said the availability of advanced technologies such as IVUS, along with the development of minimally invasive cardiac services, could help patients access specialised treatment closer to home.
The MP noted that improved access to advanced medical facilities could reduce the need for people from Mysuru and neighbouring districts to travel to larger metropolitan centres for certain complex procedures.
Dr T N Balakrishna Gowda, Chief Orthopaedic Robotic Surgeon and Managing Director of Avant BKG Hospitals, said the institution aimed to strengthen Mysuru’s role as a destination for specialised medical care.
He said investments in modern technologies and the planned expansion of cardiac surgery services reflected the hospital’s efforts to broaden treatment options for eligible patients.
According to Dr Balakrishna Gowda, the hospital’s approach combines specialised clinical expertise, modern infrastructure and comprehensive patient care to serve people from Mysuru and nearby districts.
Advanced cardiac care and patient access
The launch of IVUS and the proposed introduction of MICS mark two developments in the hospital’s plans to expand cardiac services. The technologies address different aspects of treatment: IVUS supports imaging and decision-making during catheter-based coronary procedures, while minimally invasive surgery offers alternative surgical approaches for appropriately selected patients.
Access to advanced cardiac care also depends on the availability of trained specialists, supporting facilities, appropriate patient assessment and post-procedure care. The clinical benefits of any technology or surgical approach vary according to the patient’s condition and the treatment being performed.
With the IVUS technology now launched and MICS services planned, Avant BKG Hospitals aims to broaden its cardiac treatment capabilities in Mysuru. Details on the rollout of the surgical services and the procedures to be offered are awaited.