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Doctors at KIMSHEALTH use custom made ‘Anaconda Device’ for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Thiruvananthapuram, May, 2024: Doctors at KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum performed a rare procedure using a custom made ‘Anaconda device’ - to treat a 79-year-old patient, who had a life-threatening aneurysm in the lower part of the aorta — the largest artery that carries blood out of the heart. If left unattended it would have ruptured any time leading to serious complications.

The patient, a native of Kollam, presented at the hospital with a hernia. On detailed evaluation, he was diagnosed with an 8 cm diameter abdominal aortic aneurysm — a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel resulting in abnormal widening or ballooning.

"The aneurysm was angulated and situated very close to the artery of the kidney and bowel. Since there is no indigenous device available in the market capable of manoeuvring through the bends, the medical team decided to use a custom-made flexible stent graft," said Dr. Manish Kumar Yadav, Senior Consultant, Neuro Interventional Radiology, Imaging & Interventional Radiology.

The medical team performed a 10-hour-long procedure involving the deployment of the Anaconda device into the aneurysm, followed by cannulation and stenting of the abdominal branches. These branches are vital pathways to the liver, intestines, and kidneys, ensuring optimal blood flow and functionality.

"This marks the first time in the country that a flexible stent graft has been used to treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The device was customised according to the size and location of the aneurysm," said Dr. Manish. The patient left the hospital fully recovered. The successful outcome of this procedure not only addresses the immediate concern of the abdominal aortic aneurysm but also ensures the continued health and well-being of the patient by preserving vital organ functions, he added.

Dr. Madhavan Unni, Senior Consultant & Chief Coordinator, Department of Imaging & Interventional Radiology, Dr. Santhosh Joseph, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead, Department of Neuro Interventional Radiology, Dr. Shaji Palangadan, Senior Consultant and Coordinator, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr. Subash S, and Dr. Anil Radhakrishnan Pillai, Consultants, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Anesthesia, were also part of this procedure.