Medically Verified By: Dr Keshav Kale, senior interventional cardiologist, Medicover Hospital in Navi Mumbai
Case Study: A Story Of 71-Year-Old Heart Patient Making A Miraculous Recovery After Being Bed-Ridden (Photo: Freepik)
A 71-year-old bed-ridden patient made a miraculous recovery and embraced a new life recently after suffering from irregular heartbeats. The man experienced something called 'bradycardia', which doctors state is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) where the heart beats slower than 60 beats per minute. People who experience irregular heartbeats often face serious health problems and require a pacemaker to regulate their heart rate.
The septuagenarian's case was a remarkable medical breakthrough that allowed him to receive a life-saving treatment at Medicover Hospital in Navi Mumbai, under a team of doctors led by Dr Keshav Kale, senior interventional cardiologist. They managed to successfully implant a 'medtronic micra dual leadless pacemaker' without the need for surgery or incisions. The procedure is being called 'revolutionary', having been performed for the first time at the hospital. It managed to stabilise the patient's heartbeat, ultimately saving his life. The man has now recovered fully and resumed his daily routine. Read on to know more.
The patient, a resident of Kharghar, experienced syncope (fainting) spells and dangerous falls, which were a result of bradycardia. Doctors explain that when the heart beats too slowly or irregularly, it struggles to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. As such, a complete heart block occurs when the electrical signals between the heart's chambers (atria and ventricles) are disrupted.
The pacemaker device is the solution for bradycardia, helping to restore a normal heart rhythm. In this patient's case, the quality of his life had deteriorated. Even the simplest daily activities became challenging. For instance, it was risky for him to walk without support. The elderly patient also lived in constant fear of collapsing; he was later bed-bound, relying heavily on his family for even the most basic tasks like getting out of bed, moving around the house, or even enjoying a meal.
While he was admitted to another hospital for a coronary angiography and pacemaker implantation -- a procedure that could have restored his life -- things went south when doctors discovered he had 'severe thrombocytopenia' (low platelet count of 60,000), a condition that made him susceptible to 'life-threatening bleeding'. Since there was a high surgical risk, pacemaker implantation was not possible.
Then, the patient and his family turned to Medicover Hospital for timely intervention.
The man was brought to the hospital in a state of sudden unconsciousness; Dr Kale immediately performed a temporary pacemaker implantation, stabilising him. But, with a platelet count of only 70,000, a traditional pacemaker surgery remained risky. The patient was then considered suitable for the life-saving medtronic micra leadless pacemaker procedure.
Dr Kale explained that the patient had a high risk of bleeding complications. "The medtronic micra leadless pacemaker was the safest and most advanced option, offering an effective solution for managing bradycardia. After discussing with the man's family and a team of heart specialists, a decision was made to proceed with the leadless pacemaker to regulate his heartbeat and aid in his recovery. This minimally-invasive device is implanted directly into the heart, eliminating the need for surgical incisions."
The doctor further stated leadless pacemakers are 'advanced devices' that automatically regulate heart rate without the need for surgery, batteries, or leads like conventional pacemakers. As mentioned earlier, they are implanted directly into the right lower heart chamber using catheters. "Since they do not require a surgical pocket or leads, they offer a safer alternative with a lower risk of bleeding, complications, and infections," the doctor mentioned in a statement shared by the hospital, adding that the patient experienced a shorter hospital stay and regained mobility immediately after the procedure.
The procedure was two-hour long, completed without anesthesia. The patient was discharged the following day.
