Kathmandu Medical College Performs First Orbital Atherectomy in Nepal

Kathmandu. Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) has successfully treated a complex vein without surgery for the first time in Nepal using the 'Orbital Atherectomy' technique. 

This is the first case in Nepal where a patient at high risk of losing a limb due to a completely blocked leg vein has been successfully treated using this technique, the college stated.

71-year-old Hiramaya Ramjali from Pokhara had come to Kathmandu Medical College after her leg veins became severely hardened and blood circulation was blocked for a long time. Ramjali, who suffered from symptoms such as blueness of the leg, non-healing wounds, and extreme coldness, was successfully treated by a medical team led by Dr. Krishna Basnyat of KMC's Heart, Chest, and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) department.

The patient's main problem was the blockage of the vein due to hardened calcium deposits inside the blood vessel. According to Dr. Basnyat, although the vein was repaired through open surgery in the first phase, when the hardened blockage in the lower part could not be removed by normal methods, the medical team used the 'Orbital Endovascular Atherectomy' technique for treatment.

Explaining the treatment technique, Dr. Basnyat said, 'We performed a complex vein treatment at KMC a few days ago. For this, we also used the Orbital Atherectomy technique. This technique has been used for the first time in Nepal.'

Clarifying the reason for using this technique, he added, 'The reason for using that technique is that if they had undergone surgery, there was a risk of losing the leg. This technique makes it easier to remove blockages in the veins and facilitate blood circulation. Currently, the health condition of both patients is improving. We are moving forward to treat other patients with this technique in the near future.'

After the successful treatment, Hiramaya's grandson, Bishal Ramjali, expressed his gratitude to the hospital family for saving her leg from amputation. He expressed happiness that the situation did not arise, as he and his family were scared when many hospitals suggested amputation.

Bishal said, 'I was scared because the doctors had said there was a high chance of losing the leg. After bringing her here, I felt like we had reached a good place.'

Expressing his happiness, he added, 'The leg was saved, and the blocked vein was treated. Now she can walk on her own. Therefore, we are very happy.'

Along with Hiramaya, KMC has also successfully treated 47-year-old Kalyanlal Karna from Janakpur using the same technique. One of his legs had already been amputated, and the vein in the other leg was also completely blocked.

By treating such a complex condition without surgery, KMC has further established its expertise in vascular treatment. Due to the combination of advanced technology and skilled doctors, new treatment options are now available for patients at risk of losing limbs due to blocked veins.