KMC Hospital, Mangalore Pioneers Innovative Approach to Save Life of 60-Year-Old
Mangalore: In a remarkable medical achievement, Mrs. Shetty (name changed), a 60-year-old woman, was brought to the emergency department of KMC Hospital Mangalore with complaints of severe chest pain lasting for six hours. After a thorough examination and an ECG, Dr. M N Bhat, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at KMC Hospital, Dr. B R Ambedkar Circle diagnosed her with an acute heart attack.
A coronary angiography was performed to determine the site and severity of the blockage in the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscles. However, during the procedure, it was discovered that Mrs. Shetty’s radial artery in her right hand was too small to perform the procedure. The alternative was to use the arteries in her legs, but they carried a higher risk of bleeding and discomfort for the patient.
Taking a bold and innovative step, Dr. M N Bhat decided to use the ulnar artery in her right hand, which was more suitable for the procedure. Despite the challenges posed by the deeper location of the ulnar artery, Dr. M N Bhat and his team successfully completed the diagnostic angiogram, revealing a 100% blockage in a major artery, confirming the heart attack. By this time, the patient’s blood pressure had dropped, which was effectively managed using IV medications.
An emergency angioplasty and stenting procedure followed, performed by Dr. M N Bhat, Mr Ganesh, and team. Remarkably, Mrs. Shetty recovered completely without any complications and was shifted to the ward just one day after the procedure.
Dr. M N Bhat explained, “When the radial artery is too small, the ulnar artery can be used for angiography or stenting. However, it requires more expertise, as the ulnar artery is located deeper in the forearm compared to the radial artery. One must also take care not to injure the ulnar nerve during the procedure. This approach, though technically more challenging, is less painful for the patient, carries a lower risk of bleeding, and results in a shorter ICU stay.”
Mrs. Shetty’s successful treatment underscores the expertise and innovation at KMC Hospital Mangalore. Saghir Siddiqui, Regional Chief Operating Officer, remarked, “We are extremely proud of the dedication and skill of our medical team. This case highlights the advanced techniques we employ to provide the best possible care for our patients. The successful treatment of Mrs. Shetty is a testament to the world-class medical expertise available at KMC Hospital.”
The patient’s family expressed their deep gratitude for the prompt and skilled intervention by Dr. M N Bhat and his team, stating, “We are truly grateful for the care Mrs. Shetty received. The team at KMC Hospital worked tirelessly to ensure her recovery, and we are relieved to see her doing well now.”
This successful case highlights the importance of innovative techniques and expert care in managing complex heart conditions, providing hope for many patients in the region. Experienced support staff in addition to clinical excellence.