Bhubaneswar: In a miracle like incident, a 24-year-old man got a new life even after his heart stopped beating for nearly 1.5 hours. Thanks to the dedicated team at AIIMS Bhubaneswar which has achieved a miraculous feat by saving him through the advanced Extracorporeal Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (eCPR) procedure.
This pioneering initiative in Odisha exemplifies the power of innovation in medicine and the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals.
Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, commended the team’s exceptional efforts, saying, “AIIMS Bhubaneswar has always been at the forefront of integrating medical science with technology to deliver pioneering healthcare. This is a testament to our dedication to saving lives and advancing medical practices.”
The young patient, in critical condition with heart failure, was referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on October 1, 2024. Shortly after arrival, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite 40 minutes of conventional CPR, there was no cardiac activity, leading to a decision point: to declare death or attempt the cutting-edge eCPR procedure.
Led by Dr. Srikant Behera, Intensivist and Adult ECMO specialist, the team initiated Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) after 80 minutes of cardiac arrest.
Through 40 minutes of eCPR, the patient’s heart finally resumed beating, albeit with an irregular rhythm. Over the next 30 hours, the heart function improved significantly, and the patient was successfully weaned off ECMO after 96 hours.
The multidisciplinary team addressed several other life-threatening complications, showcasing remarkable expertise, coordination, and dedication.
The survivor’s mother expressed profound gratitude to the team, and said, “I cannot thank AIIMS Bhubaneswar enough for giving my son a second chance at life. Their skill, compassion, and determination have worked a miracle for our family.”
Speaking about the procedure, Dr. Srikant Behera said, “eCPR, while technically challenging, represents a promising advancement in the treatment of cardiac arrests traditionally deemed fatal. This success marks a milestone in Odisha’s medical history.”
This success underscores AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of healthcare and reaffirming hope in critical cases.
This remarkable case serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how medical science, combined with empathy and determination, can truly achieve the extraordinary.