Manipal: 94 year old undergoes carotid angioplasty
By Subhas Marne
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 25 June 2011: Land mark treatment has been conducted by Cardiology department, Kasturba Hospital Manipal. A patient of 94 years, male, had stroke two years back. He was on anti-platelet aggregators. He had one more stroke of the same nature three months back. The Patient was referred to Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. During the examination by Dr. Ravi Raj Acharya, a block in the artery which supplies blood to the brain (carotid artery) was detected.
A stroke can happen when a blood vessel in any part of the brain is blocked. The blood through the narrowed carotid artery may slow so much that a clot forms. The patient was referred to the Cardiology department. The only solution was right carotid artery stenting. Consultants lead by Dr. Ranjan Shetty & Dr. Tom Devasia, with the help of Dr. Prasad from Anesthesia, successfully performed the “Right carotid artery stenting” without any complication.
Patient recovered fast and is leading a normal life now. The stenting procedure helps to open the artery and would prevent further narrowing. The Cardiology unit of Dr Ranjan Shetty has performed considerable number of Carotid Angioplasty providing relief to the patients.
Even single attack of the same would have had the patient either dead or severely paralyzed for rest of his life, said Dr Ranjan Shetty, Consultant Cardiologist. Usually at this age of 94 years such major procedures are not performed considering the age factor. But in this case, there were no other medical treatment available and hence angioplasty was contemplated. The patient and relatives were very optimistic and were ready for the interventional treatment.
Dr. R. R. Pulgaonkar, Medical Superintendent said that “all at Kasturba Hospital were full of praise for the patient and family and relatives for taking such a major decision. With a devoted team of Cardiologist and staff, we are committed to delivering the best possible patient care” he added.