Davanagere: SS Narayana Superspeciality Centre in Davanagere has achieved a major medical milestone by successfully performing Central Karnataka's first modified Bentall procedure, a highly advanced open-heart surgery. The surgery was performed on a 43-year-old patient who was admitted with severe chest pain. Doctors found that the patient had a dangerously enlarged aortic root, which was at immediate risk of rupture — a life-threatening condition requiring urgent surgical intervention.
Procedure Details
The procedure was led by cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Dr Gautham A. During the surgery, the diseased aortic valve, aortic root, and aneurysmal ascending aorta were replaced with a synthetic graft. Dr Gautham explained that the aortic root and proximal ascending aorta were massively dilated, posing a high risk of a fatal tear. The aneurysm had also grown large enough to compress the patient's right atrium.
Given the complexity of the case, the surgical team opted for the modified Bentall procedure. A key part of the operation involved carefully reimplanting the coronary buttons into the synthetic graft to ensure adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.
Recovery and Significance
Despite the high-risk nature of the surgery, the patient recovered smoothly. Follow-up imaging showed normal heart function, and the implanted valve was functioning well. The patient was discharged in stable condition a few days later.
Dr Gautham added, "This breakthrough is significant for healthcare in Central Karnataka, as patients with such critical aortic conditions earlier had to travel to major cities like Bengaluru or Hyderabad for treatment."
The successful outcome not only highlights the surgical expertise available locally but also reduces the need for patients to seek distant medical care, thereby improving access to advanced cardiac treatments in the region.
