In a groundbreaking medical achievement, the Cardiology Department of the Advanced Cardiac Institute (ACI), situated at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, has successfully normalised the abnormal heartbeat of a 75-year-old patient from Raipur. The team, led by Dr Smit Srivastava, Head of the Department of Cardiology at ACI, utilised an innovative conduction pacing system on the right side of the patient’s heart. The patient had previously undergone pacemaker installation at a private hospital, but complications arose three months later when pus began to discharge from his chest. Despite multiple readmissions to the private hospital, the patient continued to suffer from repeated infections. Seeking a solution, the patient turned to Dr Smit Srivastava at the Advanced Cardiac Institute. Considering the weakened state of the patient’s heart, Dr Smit Srivastava faced a critical decision between a three-wire pacemaker and a two-wire advanced technology pacemaker, known as a conduction pacing system.

 

To address the infection and challenges posed by the existing pacemaker on the left side, Dr Smit Srivastava opted for the two-wire pacemaker with conduction system pacing technology, installed on the right side. This marks the third case of conduction system pacing from the right side in the state and the first case of such pacing involving an infection. Dr Smit Srivastava also took additional measures for the patient’s well-being, applying an anti-bacterial envelope and the pacemaker. The procedure involved the removal of the old pacemaker and wires inserted from the left side. Explaining the process, Dr Smit Srivastava detailed the modification of catheters to accommodate the right-side implantation. Traditionally designed for implantation from the left side in a C-shaped form, the catheter was adapted into an English Z shape for right-side implantation.

 

Wires were inserted into the right atrium, followed by placing the pacemaker in an anti-bacterial envelope and connecting it to the wires. Subsequently, the old pacemaker and wires on the left side were removed, allowing the heart to beat naturally and properly. The medical team, comprising Dr Prateek Gupta, Dr Anmol Agrawal, Dr Balwinder Singh, Senior Technician I.P. Verma, Khem Singh Mande, Jitendra Chelkar, and nursing staff Abha, Mukta, and John, played a crucial role in the success of this complex and rare procedure. This achievement not only demonstrates the expertise of the medical team at ACI but also introduces a new frontier in cardiac care, showcasing the institute’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical science for the benefit of patients.