Wockhardt Hospitals Performs Life-Saving 'Frozen Elephant Trunk' Surgery

 

Mumbai: “Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central”, has achieved a notable medical milestone by successfully applying the ‘Frozen Elephant Trunk’ (FET) technique in treating a critical aortic condition. Dr. Gulshan Rohra, a renowned cardiac surgeon, led the complex procedure on 50-year-old patient Rizwan Sayyed, who presented with a severe aortic bulge and high blood pressure, symptoms that indicated an imminent risk of aortic rupture.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Rohra, along with Dr. Vishal N. Pingle and their team, opted for the advanced FET technique. This method, rarely performed in Mumbai, combines traditional open surgery with modern endovascular techniques to replace the ascending aorta and stabilize the aortic wall, preventing rupture and life-threatening bleeding.

Key Procedure Highlights:

1. Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB): The team utilized CPB to temporarily take over heart and lung functions.
2. Circulatory Arrest: The patient's body temperature was lowered to 22°C to halt blood circulation for 40 minutes, except to the brain, reducing the risk of bleeding.
3. Stent Deployment: A specialized graft (Evita Neo) with a stent was meticulously positioned within the aorta. Dr. Gulshan Rohra is the first heart surgeon in India to use an E-Vita Neo FET hybrid graft.
4. Restoration of Blood Flow: Post-surgery, circulation was restored to ensure a continuous blood supply to vital organs, including the brain.

The entire surgical endeavor spanned approximately 11 hours, demanding exceptional precision and skill from the medical team. Despite the complexity, the patient's recovery was swift and remarkable, with no neurological complications observed within days of the procedure.

Dr. Gulshan Rohra explained the complexity of the technique, stating, "This case underscores the critical role of advanced surgical techniques in managing complex aortic conditions. The successful outcome reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality care and leveraging cutting-edge treatments to save lives."

Dr. Virendra Chauhan, Centre Head at Wockhardt Hospitals, elaborated on the achievement, saying, "The successful application of the Frozen Elephant Trunk technique at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central represents a pivotal advancement in our ability to address severe aortic disorders. This procedure exemplifies our hospital’s dedication to pushing medical boundaries and underscores our commitment to providing patients with the most effective and innovative treatments available."

Dr. Aparna Kaushik, Cardiac Anaesthetist at Wockhardt Hospitals, added, “The Frozen Elephant Trunk technique represents a monumental leap in the surgical treatment of complex aortic conditions. Our ability to execute such an intricate procedure with a favorable outcome is a direct result of meticulous planning, teamwork, and the advanced medical technologies at our disposal. This case not only highlights the capabilities of our team but also sets a new benchmark in cardiac surgery in India."

The patient's family, amidst personal challenges, made a brave decision to pursue the intricate procedure, driven by hope and trust in the expertise at Wockhardt Hospitals. The patient expressed profound gratitude, stating, "I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Rohra and the entire team at Wockhardt Hospitals. Their skill and dedication have given me a new lease on life. I am already on my feet, feeling stronger each day. This experience has been life-changing, and I owe my second chance at life to this exceptional medical team."

This successful outcome stands as a testament to the hospital’s dedication to patient care and medical excellence.