1020 bedded Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Institute, Wanadongri, Nagpur, has once again demonstrated its commitment to medical excellence with a remarkable achievement in the field of cardiology. A 45-year-old male patient from Arjuni Morgaon, District Gondia, was successfully treated for a complex congenital heart defect under the expert guidance of cardiologists Dr. Abhay Tidke and Dr. Rahul Barai at the hospital’s superspeciality wing, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Superspeciality Institute.
The patient, who had initially presented with symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, and occasional palpitations, was admitted for hydrocele surgery. During routine preoperative cardiac fitness tests, doctors discovered that the patient had situs inversus with dextrocardia—a rare congenital condition where the heart and other visceral organs are positioned in a mirror image of their normal locations. Complicating the case further, the patient also had a large atrial septal defect (ASD), a hole in the septum between the heart’s upper chambers, which required urgent medical attention.
Given the complexity of the case, the hospital’s cardiology team decided that traditional open-heart surgery would pose significant risks due to the reversed anatomy of the patient’s organs. Dr. Abhay Tidke, Senior Cardiologist, explained that after thorough evaluation, the team opted for a minimally invasive percutaneous ASD closure. This procedure, performed by inserting a catheter through a vein to place a 40 mm device in the heart, provided a safer alternative with a faster recovery time and fewer complications.
The procedure was carried out at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Superspeciality Institute, under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojna, which made it free of cost for the patient. Dr. Rahul Barai, cardiologist, emphasized the unique challenges posed by the patient’s reversed anatomy, stating, “This condition demanded advanced imaging techniques and precise navigation to place the device correctly. Our team’s experience with complex cases like these allowed us to proceed with confidence.”
The entire process was carefully managed by Dr. Kiran Vyawahare, Anesthetist, ensuring the patient’s stability and comfort throughout the procedure. After a successful intervention, the patient made a swift recovery and was discharged in good health. His family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the entire medical team, thanking them for their dedication and the lifesaving care provided free of charge.
Dr. Anup Marar, Director-DMIHER Off Campus, hailed the procedure as a landmark achievement, highlighting the expertise available at Shalinitai Meghe Hospital in treating complex congenital heart defects like situs inversus and dextrocardia. He noted the importance of thorough preoperative cardiac assessments, which led to the timely detection of the ASD & Dextrocardia. “The successful use of a large 40 mm device in such a unique scenario is a testament to the advanced capabilities of our hospital’s cardiology department,” he added.
Dr. Vasant Gawande, Chief Medical Superintendent, praised the efforts of the cardiology team and the hospital’s support staff, remarking that the success of this procedure further establishes Shalinitai Meghe Hospital as a center of excellence in cardiology.
Dr. Nilkanth, Dr. Akshay, Dr. Gajanan, Dr. Sonali Dr. Kumkum (Medical Officers), Sr. Ragini, Sr. Sharda, Sr. Tejas, Sr. Prachi (Nursing Staff), Mr. Chaitanya, and Prathamesh (Cathlab Technician) provided essential support throughout the hospitalization, ensuring flawless execution at every step.
Dr. Noorul Ameen- Administrator DBASI along with Shri. Praful Dhabekar, Radiology Manager and Ms. Pranali Pokle, Floor Manager provided the administrative support. The MJPJAY Cell, led by Dr.Sudhir Singh- SMHRC AMS and Mr. Ahmindra Jain, was instrumental in providing the necessary support to ensure that the patient received this treatment at no cost, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all.
The success of this procedure marks a proud moment for Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and sets a new benchmark for treating complex congenital cardiac conditions in Central India.