admin
New Delhi, September 4, 2018:
Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Noida recently performed a lifesaving surgery, wherein they surgically removed a large metallic machine fragment from the heart of a 32 year old male. Since the sharp edged object had pierced and weakened the heart, there was a strong chance that during surgery the heart would damage. However, Dr. Vaibhav Mishra, Additional Director and Head, Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Noida and his team took a chance and successfully managed to perform the risky surgery.
Patient Satish Kumar, worked in a factory that manufactured gas cylinders. His job entailed the use of a high-speed drilling cutting machine. In an unfortunate turn of events, a large metallic fragment (4 centimetres) broke from the machine and penetrated his left chest puncturing the heart. It lodged itself in his left ventricle and damaged his lungs. The intensity and speed with which the patient was hit could be compared to a bullet. This led to extensive loss of blood and collection of blood around the heart and lungs. It missed his main coronary artery by just few millimetres, because of which he survived.
Post the accident, the patient was immediately taken to five of the nearest medical centres. None of these hospitals were willing to operate when they realised the complexity of the case. He was subsequently referred to Fortis Hospital, Noida. On admission, it was discovered that the patient had lost a lot of blood. Seeing this, an emergency surgery was planned. The metallic fragment was removed from the heart and the ventricle was repaired. It was a miraculous turn of events as the patient’s survival chances were minimal. Additionally, time was had been lost during transient. Therefore, it was by sheer luck that the patient made it in time to Fortis Hospital Noida and was able to receive the correct treatment.
Dr. Vaibhav Mishra, Additional Director & Head, Dept of Cardiac Vascular & Thoracic Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “It was a rare case of the patient surviving with such a deep penetration in the heart. Such surgeries are extremely challenging. However, we successfully managed to save Satish’s life. such high-speed penetrating injuries of heart are universally fatal, and this was equivalent to being shot in heart by a gun. Fortunately, the metallic fragment entered the heart and also plugged the hole it had created and thus stopping the heart from a fatal haemorrhage. This was a very challenging surgery as the metallic piece had lodged itself deep into the heart. However, we were able to extract the fragment and repair the heart. Within four days of his surgery Satish was able to walk and return to his normal life. It was a long surgery which lasted for hours, where surgeons from multiple department had an important part to play. The entire team invested themselves in to saving Satish’s life.”
Dr. Pinak Moudgil, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “While we have piloted several complex surgeries in the past, this case was precarious in nature. We needed to be extremely cautious in our approach as one wrong step and Satish could have lost his life. However, I had full faith in my team and knew they would be able navigate this situation with complete confidence.”
Cardiovascular issues have become the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in India during the last 3 decades. The public needs to be educated on how to imply emergency techniques. Modern facilities need to be developed to treat these patients.
