CG: Ambedkar Hospital conducts first coronary bypass surgery

RAIPUR,INDIA: Dr. Bheemrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital has taken a major leap in cardiac care by successfully performing its first coronary bypass surgery, marking a significant milestone in government-run healthcare in Chhattisgarh.

The hospital, which has already conducted over 220 heart surgeries and more than 1,550 procedures related to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, has now established itself as a premier centre for open-heart surgery in the state.

The 72-year-old patient from Durg, a retired government employee, had been suffering from severe coronary artery disease with blockages in all three major arteries, including a 65% blockage in the left main coronary artery. He also had chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease, making the procedure highly challenging. His heart function was critically low, operating at just 35-40% efficiency (EF 35%).

After experiencing chest pain and a heart attack, angiography confirmed severe blockages, and local doctors ruled out angioplasty, recommending bypass surgery at a specialized centre. Having heard of successful heart surgeries at Ambedkar Hospital, the patient and his family opted for the newly launched facility instead of seeking treatment elsewhere.

The surgery, led by Dr. Krishnakant Sahu, involved the use of arterial and venous grafts to bypass the blockages, restoring blood flow to the heart. The Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) was intramuscular, adding complexity to the procedure.

Unlike standard open-heart surgery, where heart chambers are opened to repair valves or close defects, a coronary bypass focuses on rerouting blood flow when coronary arteries are blocked. Surgeons use arteries from the chest, arms, or legs to create alternative pathways for blood supply.

The patient has shown remarkable recovery, resuming normal activities such as eating and walking. The surgery was made possible by a dedicated team, including cardiac anesthetists, perfusionists, nursing staff, technicians, and ICU specialists.