Guwahati Hospital Executes Complex Cardiac Surgery

In a major boost to the healthcare system in the northeastern region, Guwahati's Excelcare Hospitals have performed a Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) recently.

The complex surgery was performed by the CTVS team of Excelcare Hospitals led by Dr. Manuj Saikia, Dr. Intekhab Alam and Dr. Dangeti Santhosh Kumar (Consultant Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeons, Excelcare Hospitals), an official release stated.

The patient, a 33 year old lady from Arunachal Pradesh presented with heavy chest pain and breathing difficulty. Upon investigation by the Cardiology team, she was diagnosed as a case of ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) and required surgical intervention, it said.

 "Traditionally, cardiac surgery involves an incision size of 14-15 cm and cutting of the sternum (breast bone) but with MICS or Key Hole Surgery, we performed a Thoracotomy (7 cm) and did the ASD closure. MICS uses limited incision, resulting in reduced post-operative pain, minimum scar, shorter hospital stay and quick recovery of patients as compared to traditional midline incision, which involves cutting of the sternum" said Dr. Intekhab Alam.

 "MICS is a relatively new and advanced technique of performing cardiac surgeries. Excelcare Hospitals is among the few notable hospitals in the country that does Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgeries. The patient is now stable and due for discharge today," Dr. Alam added.

ASD is a congenital birth defect wherein there is a hole in the wall (Septum) between the two upper chambers of the heart (Atria). ASDs that aren't diagnosed until adulthood can damage the heart and lungs, shortening life.