Life-saving surgery that lasted for six hours saved an 81-year-old patient suffering with severe aortic dissection at Apollomedics Hospital

In a significant stride towards advancing medical treatments, Dr Vijayant devenraj & team  at Apollomedics Hospital Lucknow successfully conducted a groundbreaking surgery saving an 81-year-old patient suffering with aortic dissection.

Om Prakash, an 81-year-old male hailing from Varanasi, had been living with hypertension and diabetes for several years. However, his health took a sudden turn for the worse when he complained of severe sudden chest pain and was rushed to the hospital. Little did anyone know that this would be the beginning of a life-threatening ordeal for him.

During his treatment at a hospital in Varanasi doctors discovered that Om Prakash had suffered Type A aortic dissection ( a severe condition in which the main artery is affected) along with severe aortic regurgitation . This condition posed an immediate danger as the patient could collapse at any moment. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, it was decided to transfer him to Lucknow for emergency care at Apollomedics Hospital.

Upon arrival at emergency ,Apollomedics, Om Prakash underwent an aortogram & coronary angiography, which involved assessing the condition and extent of his dissected aorta and its impact on various parts of his body, including his brain, nerves, left hand, and legs. The results were alarming, as it was found that one of his kidneys was also involved in the dissection. The urgency of the situation demanded immediate action.

Despite being stabilized in the intensive care unit, patients condition began to deteriorate rapidly, and signs of heart failure started to manifest. CTVS team lead by Dr Vijayant, wasted no time and decided to proceed with an emergency operation.

The operation, which took place from 9 pm to 3 am, involved a complex series of procedures. dr vijayant performed complex Bentall procedure, a surgical technique that replaces the aortic valve, ascending aorta, aortic root and relocation of both coronary arteries. The procedure was more complex as the main aorta had dissected into two lumens ( true and false lumen) with fragile inflammed tissues with lots of bleeding. This intricate surgery lasted for six gruelling hours, testing the skill and endurance of the surgical team as well as cardiac anaesthesia team.

Following the operation, the patient spent two days on a ventilator, closely monitored by the cardiac anaesthesia and icu team. He then remained in the hospital for an additional ten days, gradually regaining his strength and health. Finally, with his condition deemed stable, the patient was discharged and sent home to continue his recovery.

Dr. Vijayant Devenraj, Senior Consultant, Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at Apollomedics Hospital said, “ It is important to acknowledge that the patients  journey was fraught with danger and uncertainty. The mortality rate for patients facing aortic dissection is exceptionally high, with a staggering more than 90% succumbing to the dreaded disease. However, against all odds, Om Prakash emerged as a survivor, defying the statistics and inspiring hope in the face of adversity.” the condition of his aorta and its impact on various parts of his body, including his brain, nerves, left hand, and legs. The results were alarming, as it was found that one of his kidneys was also involved in the dissection. The urgency of the situation demanded immediate action.

Despite being stabilized in the intensive care unit, Om Prakash's critical condition limited the extent to which he could improve. In fact, his health began to deteriorate rapidly, and signs of heart failure started to manifest. The medical team wasted no time and decided to proceed with an emergency operation.

The operation, which took place from 9 pm to 3 am, involved a complex series of procedures. Not only were the main veins changed, but the coronary artery also required attention. The medical team performed a Bentall procedure, a surgical technique that replaces the aortic valve, ascending aorta, and sometimes the aortic root. This intricate surgery lasted for six gruelling hours, testing the skill and endurance of the surgical team.

Following the operation, the patient spent two days on a ventilator, closely monitored by the medical staff. He then remained in the hospital for an additional ten days, gradually regaining his strength and health. Finally, with his condition deemed stable, the patient was discharged and sent home to continue his recovery.

Dr Mayanak Somani, CEO, Apollomedics Hospital Lucknow said, “In the past years, Apollomedics has become a hub for life saving medical intervention for patients not just from Lucknow, but from other parts of the state. The promptness in diagnosis and precise treatment is the USP of our doctors.”