Srinagar 16 September (KNB):Doctors at SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), recently performed a unique cardiac surgery by replacing the aortic root, Aortic Valve and transposing the Coronary arteries to the newly formed aortic root, known as ‘Bentall’s operation’.
A statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau said that a team of doctors headed by Professor Muhammad Akbar Bhat performed the operation on 52years female, Resident of Kupwara, who was suffering from Aortic root (Origin of Largest artery from the heart) dilatation (diameter 6.5 cms) and she had grossly leaking heart valve (Severe Aortic Regurgitation). Patient had imminent danger of death due to Rupture of aorta (largest artery of heart) or heart failure and was not able to perform daily routine activities due to this heart ailment. Patient was evaluated by Cardiologists at the Department of Cardiology and planned for Surgery after approval.
Dr Mohammed Akbar Bhat, (Professor and Head division III) of the CVTS department informed that the patient was operated and replaced the Aortic root and Aortic valve with an Aortic Root conduit (Artificial synthetic tube, combined with metallic valve) and transposed both the Coronary Arteries (blood vessels supplying the heart) in one go. The operation was assisted by Dr Yaqub Khan, Dr M Sahil, and Dr Abid.
Anaesthesia support was provided by special cardiac anesthesia team headed by Dr Talib Khan and assisted by Dr Altaf and Dr Imran. The perfusionist team consisting of Mr Firdous Ahmad, Mr Latif Kirpal and Sabzar Ahmad, who maintained the body perfusion during the period of operation; and the scrub team included Sister Meema, Sister Mehak, and Mr Asif.
“During these operations the heart is totally bye-passed and no blood goes through it. The function of the Heart and lungs is taken over by the heart Lung machine(CPB) during the operation and heart is kept standstill (arrested) by instilling drugs till the operation is completed. After the operation the heart starts beating of its own or is made to beat normally by giving electric shocks”
The Aortic root replacement (Bentall’s Operation) has been performed for the first time in SKIMS. This operation requires extra-ordinary knowledge and skills for better outcome. After surgery, patient was shifted to cardiac surgery intensive care unit where expert nursing team managed her post-operative period. The patient is doing well after surgery and has been discharged from the institute.
Dr AG Ahanger, Director and ex-officio secretary to government, Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences congratulated the team of Doctors of the Department of CVTS and allied specialities for achieving the rare feet in cardiac surgery domain.
He said that such operations are being performed at very few centres in India and asserted that CVTS department has been provided with advanced surgical equipment for delivering top end facilities to the heart patients of J & K Union Territory.
SKIMS administration has recently enhanced the Cardiac Surgical Intensive care unit facilities from 4 to 10 bedded ICU, which would increase the work output of the department and reduce the waiting period for the heart operations. Besides fulfilling the requisite norms for ongoing post-doctoral training programme (M Ch. CVTS and DM Cardiology) the present administration is reorganising various teaching /training departments and Intensive care management areas, in line with norms of the National Medical Commission(NMC) of India for recognition of these academic programmes, thereby further enhancing the patient care and research facilities at this premier institute of the country.
In this direction worthy Chief secretary Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta e-commissioned the Advanced Surgical Skill Development Training Centre on 28th of August, 2021 that would be the turning point for teaching and skill development of young surgeons, senior faculty members and scholars.
This lab is only fourth the entire country and the first of its kind in North India. Pertinently an advanced Pulmonary laboratory was also dedicated to the patient care by Director and Ex officio secretary to Government, Dr. A.G. Ahangar on 1st September, 2021 the first in the northern India that would add to the armamentarium of the post-doctoral programme in pulmonary medicine. (KNB)