Kauvery Hospital Chennai, a unit of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, on Wednesday announced the successful treatment and revival of three patients who almost lost their lives to sudden cardiac arrest. The first patient aged 76 years was brought to the hospital after suffering from a cardiac arrest. He was referred from another hospital to Kauvery Hospital, in a post-cardiac arrest state, with barely perceptible/ recordable pulse and BP. He was immediately shifted to the Emergency Room, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) begun, and life-supporting medications were administered, to revive the rhythm of his heart.
He was then shifted to the Cath Lab to undergo an angiogram to determine the state of his coronary circulation as well as the functional status of his heart. One of the major arteries to his heart was completely blocked. A temporary pacemaker was put in to maintain his heart rate, and an Intra Aortic Baloon Counterpulsation Pump installed to support his circulation and stabilise his blood pressure. An angioplasty was done within the next few minutes to clear the block, and a stent was placed to ensure that the blood flow that was restored to his heart was sustained.
He was then shifted to the Critical Care Unit where his circulation, blood pressure and his level of consciousness, which were all precarious, were closely monitored. He was also placed under the care of a Neurologist who evaluated the state of function of his brain with an Electroencephalogram (EEG). The brain suffers great damage if a cardiac arrest interrupts the blood supply to the brain for more than three minutes. Under intensive care and constant support, the patient regained his consciousness and was able to sit up three days later.
The second patient, aged 73 years, who suffered a massive heart attack, developed cardiac arrest on his way to Kauvery Hospital. He was received at the ER of the hospital in a totally unresponsive state and in deep shock. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was commenced immediately. He received Cardioversion- Defibrillation (electric shock treatment ) around 32 times as he was being transferred, while under continuous CPR, from the Emergency room to the Cath Lab where he underwent emergency angioplasty to clear the block in his coronary artery. He was revived and gained consciousness in two days.
The third patient aged 63 years had reached the premises of Kauvery Hospital with severe chest pain and profuse sweating. He suffered a massive cardiac arrest as he was being shifted to the Emergency Room where he was immediately resuscitated. Angioplasty was done for him within the next few minutes which salvaged his life.
Commenting on the success of these cases, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director, “We are extremely proud of how our doctors and their teams who use their medical expertise, and the state-of-the-art infrastructure, to save these patients who came with no signs of life.”
All three patients have recovered well, without any complications, and have been discharged from the hospital in a stable condition.