Mumbai/Kolkata : A 78-year-old gentleman from Mizoram, who had been suffering from persistent abdominal and back pain for several months, recently underwent a highly complex endovascular aortic repair, a minimally invasive procedure to treat a dangerous swelling in the main artery at Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, a unit of one of the largest healthcare provider of India Manipal Hospital Group. The intricate procedure was led by Dr. Dilip Kumar, Director Cath Lab, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Device and Structural Heart Expert, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass with his team.
The patient had first gone to a local hospital in Mizoram when his symptoms aggravated, and physicians there diagnosed him with a condition called an aortic aneurysm, a balloon-like swelling in the aorta, the largest blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This can silently grow over a period and, if left untreated, rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Given the high level of complexity and risk involved, the patient was referred to Dr. Dilip Kumar at Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, for specialized care.
Traditionally, this condition required open surgery, which involved large incisions in the abdomen and longer recovery in the hospital. However, the endovascular aortic repair approach offers an altogether safer and speedier alternative. It allows the doctor to put a stent graft (a tube-like device made of fabric and metal) through small punctures in the groin to reinforce the weak section of the artery and to restore natural blood flow, without having to perform open abdominal surgery.
In this unique case, Dr. Dilip Kumar and his team used two femoral access points (20F and 18F) in the patient’s groin to place a bifurcated aortic graft with iliac extensions (a specialized stent system that supports the main artery and its branches). The procedure was closed using five closure devices — four ProGlides and one Angio-Seal, instead of conventional surgical stitches. This advanced technique ensured minimal bleeding, faster healing, and an exceptionally quick recovery. Remarkably, the patient was able to walk and was discharged the very next day likely the first Indian case where such a large-bore access repair was done using five closure devices with same-day mobility and discharge.
About the case, Dr. Dilip Kumar, shared, “This was a very high-risk case, as the patient’s main artery was dangerously swollen and at risk of rupture. In earlier days, such procedures required open surgery, but with modern endovascular techniques, we can now treat them through small punctures instead of major cuts. What makes this case truly special is that we used five closure devices to seal both groins after inserting large catheters, making it truly one of its kind in Eastern India. The patient was able to walk and go home the very next day, which is extremely gratifying for both the team and the patient’s family.”
The patient, therefore, following the procedure, had a very smooth recovery and was grateful to all in the medical team for the care and reassurance given to him. He is now back on his feet, doing well, and will continue regular follow-ups at Manipal Hospital to monitor his condition.
This successful case thus proves that advanced technology and minimally invasive techniques in treating complex cardiovascular and vascular disorders with precision, safety, and compassion are a part of Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass. It aids the patient in recovering faster and returning to normal life at the earliest.
