New technology to treat artery disease in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Patients are being treated faster and with less pain at Dr. Chigurupati Ramana's office in Oklahoma City.

He is using new laser technology called DABRA to treat patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), or blockages in the body's arteries.

"A lot of them have been dealing with pain and felt like that was just part of getting old and kind of just made a compromise that this is just what happens when you get old," Ramana said. "But it doesn't have to be that way."

Roberta Manello recently had the procedure done to have blockages removed in both legs. She said it's relieved pain and made her more mobile again.

"I don't have the swelling problems or the pain," Manello said. "The pain was waking me up in the middle of the night so I didn't get good rest, ever."

Manello said after being forced to buy bigger shoes because of swelling, she's now back to her regular size. She also fell and broke her hip last year due to the pain.

"I had no idea what it was going to be like, during or after," Manello said. "But I'm really pleased and surprised I've improved so much."

The technology has been in Dr. Ramana's office for just six months. It works by inserting a small tube with a laser that dissolves tissue that's causing a blockage.

"It's cost-effective," Ramana said. "It's about half the cost of other devices that can be used to treat these problems. It's quick. It decreases procedure time."

John Toliver also had the procedure done. He said swelling in his feet has limited his normal movement.

"I'm a person that likes pretty shoes," Toliver said. "Now I got some shoes for you, but I can't wear them. They're just sitting up there in the closet."

He said he plans to wear his shoes again as soon as possible.

Ramana said this also prevents amputations and even death.

"I think it's a big benefit for patients," Ramana said. "They don't have to go to a big hospital to get treated for complex problems like this."

The office is able to get you in only a day or two if your problems are severe.

It may only take a few weeks in other situations.

Dr. Ramana can be reached at Naadi Healthcare at (405) 608-8884.