Thursday, 25 April, 2024
83-year-old Mr. Gupta, like many others, believed his persistent lower back and abdominal pain were mere inconveniences of ageing. Little did he know, these discomforts masked a potentially fatal condition lurking within.
During a routine health check-up, an ultrasound revealed a ticking time bomb—a massive abdominal aortic aneurysm, measuring 8cm x 6cm x 6cm, with a clot inside. His journey from diagnosis to recovery in the hands of Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, HOD - Interventional Cardiology, and his expert team, sheds light on a groundbreaking medical intervention - endovascular aortic repair or stenting that saved his life.
About the Procedure
At Kauvery Hospital Marathahalli, Mr. Gupta underwent a CT aortogram, which confirmed the dire findings. He was then advised to undergo an endovascular aortic repair, a percutaneous procedure done under local anaesthesia.
Dr. Krishnamurthy explains: “In layman's terms, this involved inserting a special endovascular stent into the arteries of his leg, essentially creating a "pant-like" cover over the weakened portion of his aorta, preventing expansion and potential rupture of the aneurysm.”
Following the percutaneous procedure, Mr. Gupta's recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Mobilised the same evening, he experienced minimal discomfort—a stark contrast to what conventional surgical methods might have entailed.
As an octogenarian with underlying lung issues, Mr. Gupta's smooth recovery underscores the efficacy of this innovative approach.
Merits of this Procedure
Minimally invasive:
Avoids the heavy morbidity associated with traditional surgical repair.
Local anaesthesia:
Eliminates the need for general anaesthesia, reducing risks.
Rapid recovery:
Mr. Gupta was mobilised the same evening, a testament to the procedure's efficiency.
Speaking about the complexity of this procedure, Dr. Krishnamurthy explains:
“Given the critical nature of fixing the main artery—the aorta—one small mishap could spell certain death, which is why the procedure has to be dealt with by expert hands under the best infrastructure.”
Specialised Training and Infrastructure
Surgeons tasked with performing this procedure require specialised training in intervention for aortic diseases, coupled with extensive experience.
“Additionally, high-end infrastructure, including advanced CT imaging and state-of-the-art cathlabs, is imperative. Fortunately, Kauvery Hospital Marathahalli is well-equipped to handle such cases,” says Dr. Krishnamurthy.
Frequency and Success Rate
While not a common procedure, Kauvery Hospital boasts a significant volume of such cases across its network of hospitals.
Mr. Gupta's case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of timely diagnosis and advanced medical interventions.
In an era where medical science continually pushes boundaries, procedures like endovascular aortic repair offer hope, even in the face of grave diagnoses.
Through innovation, expertise, and compassionate care, lives like Mr. Gupta's are not only saved but transformed, ensuring many more years of cherished moments and newfound vitality.