By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: A new laboratory is being developed at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna, the capital of Bihar, where heart and brain diseases can be examined simultaneously. Additionally, the lab will assist elderly patients whose veins are difficult to locate. Once operational, this lab will eliminate the need for Bihar’s patients to travel outside the state for such tests.
Bihar has a high number of heart and brain patients, and often, delays or inadequate examinations impact treatment. To address these challenges, IGIMS is introducing a biplane cath lab, which will be the first of its kind in the state. This state-of-the-art facility will allow comprehensive examination of both cardiac and neurological conditions.
Doctors at IGIMS explain that this advanced equipment, which supports two types of tests, is available in two versions: monoplane and biplane. While monoplane cath labs are more common due to their lower cost, the biplane cath lab, though more expensive, offers the advantage of two-way testing. Experts note that the biplane machine can simultaneously examine neuro, cardiac, and vascular conditions using its dual C-arms.
With this new biplane cath lab, procedures such as heart and brain angiography, angioplasty, pacemaker installation, vascular ballooning, and other vascular tests will become much easier. Moreover, it will provide precise diagnostics for brain tumours, brain haemorrhages, blood clots, and ruptures of brain veins, significantly enhancing the accuracy of treatment. The neuro and cardiology departments will collaborate closely to utilise this advanced technology for improved patient care.
