Pune: A 78-year-old Indian Air Force (IAF) veteran has got a new lease of life after doctors at the Army Institute of Cardiothoracic Sciences (AICTS) successfully performed a rare and highly complex Impella-supported angioplasty. The procedure is seldom undertaken on high-risk cardiac patients due to its technical difficulty and the critical nature of the patient’s health.Ex-sergeant Dattatreyulu, who retired from the IAF in 1984, was diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease featuring nearly 90% blockages in his arteries. Given his advanced age and multiple comorbidities, doctors determined that conventional coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery posed an unacceptably high risk.After a rigorous assessment, specialists opted for an Impella-supported angioplasty. The Impella device is a cutting-edge, miniature heart pump that temporarily assists the heart in maintaining blood circulation during complex interventions, significantly reducing the risk of life-threatening complications while the blockages are cleared.The procedure is highly specialised and expensive, with costs reaching approximately Rs30 lakh — a sum far beyond the reach of the pensioner. Recognising the gravity and complexity of the case, the ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) in Hyderabad referred the veteran to AICTS Pune for advanced management.A multidisciplinary team, led by the head of the department of cardiology at AICTS, meticulously planned the intervention. The procedure was carried out successfully, resulting in an immediate improvement in the veteran’s health and a positive clinical outlook.Military medical authorities stated that the successful intervention underscores the advanced cardiac care capabilities within the Armed Forces medical system and reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of veterans.Expressing his gratitude, Dattatreyulu credited the medical team for his recovery. “I am alive and well today because of the efforts of Colonel Jayachandra and his team. AICTS Pune gave me more than just treatment; they gave me a second chance at life. As a retired soldier, I feel proud that the Armed Forces continue to stand by and support their veterans long after retirement,” he said.The success of the procedure is being hailed as a significant achievement in high-risk interventional cardiology and serves as a testament to the growing adoption of advanced life-support technologies in India’s military healthcare institutions..
