Raipur
A 48-year-old woman from Madhubani district in Bihar has undergone a successful beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur.
The patient was diagnosed with triple-vessel disease, with significant blockages in all three major coronary arteries. Her cardiac pumping capacity was around 40%.
The surgery was challenging as her blood sugar level was above 500 mg/dL at the time of admission. Doctors first brought her uncontrolled diabetes under control before proceeding with the operation.
Dr Krishna Kant Sahu, Professor and Head of the Department of Heart, Chest and Vascular Surgery, led the surgical team. The hospital is attached to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College. Doctors used arterial grafts from the internal mammary artery for the bypass, and the operation was performed through a midline sternotomy.
Following the procedure, the patient regained consciousness on the same day, had a light snack that evening and started walking two days after surgery. She has recovered well and is now being discharged.
Treatment Path
The patient first experienced chest pain six weeks ago. Doctors at a hospital in Madhubani initially treated her for acidity. When the symptoms persisted, her family took her to Darbhanga, where an angiography confirmed triple-vessel disease.
Ayushman Coverage
The family initially considered getting treatment in Patna, but a relative in Raipur suggested Ambedkar Hospital. After consulting Dr Sahu, the family sought information about the treatment costs. Ayushman authorities confirmed that her Ayushman card could be used for treatment in Chhattisgarh, allowing her admission under the scheme.
Medical Insights
Dr Sahu said that although coronary artery disease is less common among younger women, factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, physical inactivity and genetic factors can increase the risk.
He advised women not to ignore symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness or unusual fatigue and to seek medical attention promptly.
Regional Reach
Medical College Dean Dr Vivek Choudhary and Hospital Superintendent Dr Santosh Sonkar said the hospital regularly treats complex cardiac cases involving patients from Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states, including Bihar.
The surgical team included cardiac anaesthetist Dr Sankalp Diwan, PG resident Dr Lipi Gautam, perfusionists Ankita and Digeshwar, along with nursing and critical-care staff.
