Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 17: Dr. Vishal Khullar, a leading cardiovascular surgeon in India, successfully performed a complex beating heart bypass surgery on a 75-year-old male patient with critical triple-vessel disease. The patient presented with severe blockages in his coronary arteries and a challenging medical history, including previous lower limb vein ablation and diseased radial arteries, rendering them unusable for traditional bypass grafts. Furthermore, a chest CT scan revealed dense calcification in the aorta, increasing the risk associated with conventional on-pump surgery.

Dr. Vishal Khullar is known for his critical decision-making abilities, which are necessary when treating patients with complicated and complex cardiac conditions. For instance, in this case, he made the correct decision to perform a beating heart bypass surgery as the patient's history revealed vein ablation for varicose veins in both the lower limbs; the radial arteries in his hands were also diseased and hence unsuitable for bypass surgery. Also, a chest CT scan revealed dense calcification in the aorta. Therefore, the beating heart bypass surgery approach significantly reduced the risk of stroke associated with aortic manipulation in patients who have also developed calcification.

Beating heart bypass surgery, also known as off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB), is a specialized technique performed while the patient's heart continues to beat. Cardiac surgeons prefer this approach to patients with risk factors, making traditional bypass surgery risky. The beating heart surgery procedure minimizes the manipulation of the aorta, reducing the risk of stroke and making it suitable for performing bypass surgery in patients with severe aortic calcification.

It is risky to perform traditional on-pump surgery on patients with severe calcification of the aorta, a history of stroke, kidney disease, or other co-morbidities. On the other hand, the off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedure reduces the likely complications associated with the heart-lung machine and aortic manipulation. It minimizes the stroke risk and less bleeding while ensuring speedy recovery in such patients.  The cardiac surgeon stabilizes the surgical coronary areas using special devices in this procedure. The heart continues to beat during the off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedure while the cardiac surgeon performs a bypass surgery despite blocked coronary arteries.

During the procedure, Dr. Khullar and his team utilized arteries harvested inside the patient's chest (internal mammary arteries). This meticulous surgery involved creating five bypass grafts to circumvent the critical blockages. The procedure was successful, and he was discharged in stable condition after a five-day hospital stay.

About Dr. Vishal Khullar:

Dr. Khullar is a Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Consultant at Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai. An internationally acclaimed Cardiac Surgeon and a leading Cardiovascular surgeon in India, he brings unparalleled expertise to his practice.
He was trained in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Dr. Khullar has served as a faculty and Senior Associate Consultant at Mayo Clinic, where he trained numerous cardiac residents and clinical fellows from across the globe. His vast experience and exceptional surgical skills have earned him the reputation of being the most preferred Cardiac Surgeon in Mumbai, India.

Contact:

  • VLSR – The Clinic – 2nd floor, Corinthian, Linking Rd, Opposite DBS Bank, Khar West, Maharashtra 400052 
  • Phone: +91-9987077880
  • Email: appointments@drvishalkhullar.com