Holy Family Hospital Pioneers Dual Clot Removal and Bypass Surgery in Mumbai

 

Mumbai: In a landmark feat of surgical innovation, 'Holy Family Hospital' in Bandra has made medical history by performing a pioneering, life-saving surgery on a 29-year-old woman suffering from multiple large blood clots in her heart and legs. The unprecedented procedure combined clot extraction from the heart and limbs with a novel bypass technique, making it one of the most complex cardiovascular surgeries ever performed in India.

The young patient, a resident of Mahim, was admitted with excruciating leg pain and discoloration in her toes—symptoms of critically impaired blood flow. Investigations revealed a rare and dangerous scenario: multiple arterial blockages, including a 10-cm-long clot in the left heart chambers extending into the mitral and aortic valves, threatening a fatal cerebral embolism. Compounding the risks was the patient’s morbid obesity (110 kg at 5 ft) and a severely weakened heart function of just 20%.

In a race against time, a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Amit Karad, along with Dr. Yash Lokhandwala, Dr. J.P. Jadwani, Dr. Kunal Sinkar, and Dr. Sayash Nair, crafted a bold surgical approach integrating heart and vascular surgery.

Details of the Groundbreaking Surgery:

• Heart Clot Removal: The heart was opened to delicately remove the massive clot without triggering embolism. The surgeons also performed a ventriculoplasty to preserve viable heart muscle.
• Major Artery Blockage: The patient’s abdominal aorta was completely occluded, along with the mesenteric (intestinal) and left renal arteries. Time was critical to save both the patient and her limbs.
• Innovative Bypass: Surgeons performed a unique bypass from the ascending aorta to both femoral arteries using artificial grafts—without opening the abdomen (avoiding laparotomy), routing the grafts through deep subcutaneous tissues.
• Leg Clot Removal: Additional clots, 15 cm and 10 cm long, were extracted from the right and left femoral arteries, fully restoring leg circulation.

Despite the staggering complexity, the surgery was a complete success. The patient was extubated within 24 hours, began walking soon after, and is set to be discharged tomorrow.

“This surgery is unlike any documented in global medical literature,” said Dr. Amit Karad, Cardiac Surgeon at Holy Family Hospital. “Even my mentors abroad have never encountered such a case. Combining heart and limb clot removal with a dual-leg bypass from the ascending aorta has never been done before. We’re thrilled with the outcome.”

This breakthrough not only saved a young woman’s life but also demonstrates the cutting-edge capabilities of Indian cardiac care. 'Holy Family Hospital' has reinforced its position as a leader in high-risk, multidisciplinary medical interventions.

This case sets a new benchmark in the field of cardiovascular and vascular surgery and highlights how innovation, collaboration, and commitment can transform even the most hopeless cases into stories of survival and triumph.