Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central recently achieved a significant medical breakthrough by successfully applying the ‘Frozen Elephant Trunk’ (FET) technique to treat a life-threatening aortic condition. This complex procedure was led by Dr. Gulshan Rohra, a renowned cardiac surgeon, and involved innovative surgical methods to address a critical defect in the patient’s aorta.
The patient, 50-year-old Rizwan Sayyed, presented with a severe aortic bulge and high blood pressure, indicating a potential rupture of the aorta—a condition with serious consequences if not treated promptly. Recognizing the urgency, Dr. Rohra, along with Dr. Pingle and their team, opted for the advanced FET technique, a procedure rarely performed in Mumbai.
The FET procedure is a sophisticated approach that combines traditional open surgery with modern endovascular techniques. It involves replacing the ascending aorta, including crucial branch vessels, to stabilize the aortic wall and prevent further complications such as rupture and life-threatening bleeding.
Key highlights of the procedure included:
- Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB): This technique temporarily takes over heart and lung functions during the surgery.
- Circulatory Arrest: The patient’s body temperature was lowered to 22°C to halt blood circulation for 40 minutes throughout the body except the brain, reducing the risk of bleeding.
- Stent Deployment: A specialized graft (Evita Neo) with a stent was meticulously positioned and secured within the aorta. Dr. Gulshan Rohra was the first heart surgeon in India to use the E-Vita Neo FET hybrid graft.
- Restoration of Blood Flow: Circulation was restored post-surgery to ensure continuous blood supply to vital organs, including the brain.
The entire surgical procedure lasted approximately 11 hours, demanding exceptional precision and skill from the medical team. Despite its complexity, the patient’s recovery was swift and remarkable, with no neurological complications observed within days of the procedure.
Dr. Rohra emphasized the critical role of advanced surgical techniques in managing complex aortic conditions, stating, “This case underscores the importance of innovative surgical methods in treating such critical conditions. The successful outcome reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality care and utilizing cutting-edge treatments to save lives.”
Dr. Virendra Chauhan, Centre Head at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, also spoke about the achievement, highlighting how the successful application of the ‘Frozen Elephant Trunk’ technique represents a significant advancement in addressing severe aortic disorders. He praised the hospital’s dedication to pushing medical boundaries and providing patients with effective and innovative treatments.
Dr. Aparna Kaushik, Cardiac Anaesthetist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, added, “The Frozen Elephant Trunk technique marks a significant advancement in surgical treatment for complex aortic conditions. Our ability to perform such a complex procedure successfully is a result of meticulous planning, teamwork, and advanced medical technologies.”
The patient’s family made a courageous decision to pursue the intricate procedure, driven by hope and trust in the expertise at Wockhardt Hospitals. The patient expressed profound gratitude, stating, “I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Rohra and the entire team at Wockhardt Hospitals. Their skill and dedication have given me a new lease on life.”
This successful outcome underscores the hospital’s dedication to patient care and medical excellence, setting a new benchmark in cardiac surgery in India.
SOURCE:
ECONOMIC TIMES
