SRM to train more doctors to treat aortic aneurysm

Bearing this in mind, SRM University will hold real-time demonstrations for doctors in order to meet the gap at the Simulation Centre, said Dr VV Bashi, Director, Institute for Cardiac and Advanced Aortic Disorder (ICAAD) at SIMS. 

Dr Bashi, who was talking on the sidelines of a press meet, mentioned the case history of  a complex aortic surgery on a 47-year-old man from Maharashtra. Prashanth  had previously undergone an aortic surgery more than four years ago in Mumbai. 

However, he recently developed intense back pain and was advised another complex surgery. He was referred to doctors at SIMS. Dr Bashi said, “A second surgery can be very risky and challenging. 

After studying his case we decided to carry out the procedure through a hybrid technique. This involved replacing the ascending arch of the aorta with a graft surgically and replacing the descending aorta through an endovascular approach at once. This is the first time such a procedure has been carried out in India.” 

Dr A B Gopalamurugan, senior interventional cardiologist, was part of the team, along with Dr Aju Jacob, Senior Cardiac Anaesthetist. Prashanth was turned away by several doctors before he finally approached SIMS. This is because even several senior doctors are not equipped with the skills to handle the surgery, added Dr Bashi. “Therefore we have taken a decision to hold real-time demonstrations for creating more skilled people to handle the condition.” He added, “Unlike other heart conditions, aneurysm requires immediate intervention.

If not, it can lead to death in a matter of hours —  50 per cent die in 24 hours and 40 per cent in 48 hours. Not all of them require open surgery.” he added. 

The hospital has operated on a couple of more patients with a similar condition. Dr Bashi added, “At the moment, the surgery can cost around Rs 12 lakhs. If we have more specialists performing it, the cost can come down.”