Ambalappuzha: In a remarkable medical achievement, the Cardiac Surgery Department at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital has successfully performed a rare and high-risk 10-hour-long surgery on a 66-year-old man diagnosed with an aneurysm in the artery leading from the aorta to the brain.

This rare condition, seen in only one in a lakh people, was identified as life-threatening. Though such procedures usually cost more than Rs 15 lakh in private hospitals, the surgery was carried out completely free under the state government’s health care scheme.

The patient, Mr Ranadevan from Karthikappally, first visited the ENT outpatient department in May after noticing a change in his voice. Scans that followed examinations revealed the presence of the rare vascular condition. He was then referred to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department for further evaluation. Detailed tests including an echocardiogram and an angiogram confirmed the urgent need for surgery.

Swift action and support

Understanding the seriousness of the case, the hospital acted swiftly. Specialised surgical equipment, usually very expensive, was procured through the state government’s health and safety scheme.

The intervention of Hospital Superintendent Dr A Harikumar and the medical team ensured that the equipment was made available in time for the life-saving procedure. The complex surgery was conducted on 30 June.

A critical procedure

As the surgery involved a major section of the aorta, the heart had to be stopped completely, and a heart-lung machine was used to keep the patient alive. The main challenge for the surgical team was to maintain continuous blood circulation to the brain and other vital organs by reducing the body temperature. This delicate stage lasted for around four hours.

During this time, the swollen part of the blood vessel was removed and replaced with a vascular graft.

Post-surgery recovery

After the operation, Mr Ranadevan was kept on a ventilator in the intensive care unit for 48 hours. Once he regained full consciousness, he was gradually weaned off ventilator support and shifted to the general ward after five days in intensive care. He made a complete recovery and was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.