Kottayam Medical College Introduces Revolutionary Heart Surgical Innovations

The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Kottayam Medical College has developed innovative cardiac surgical techniques to treat vascular inflammation. Highly complex off-pump submitral aneurysm and subclavian artery aneurysm surgeries have been successfully completed recently. An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery. In severe cases, this blood vessel can swell and burst, leading to death. Kottayam Medical College has successfully developed innovative surgical methods that are effective in such complex conditions. Off-pump submitral aneurysm surgery is performed to treat submitral aneurysm, a rare heart complication. In the past, this complex surgery was performed after stopping the heart function. But with the help of echocardiography, the surgery can be performed while the heart is still working, reducing the risk of complications and making the surgery more effective. A new treatment method has also been developed for subclavian artery aneurysm, a complex swelling of the blood vessel that supplies blood to the arm and brain. This surgery was also been performed by opening the anterior sternum and ribs. But the new method involves surgery through small incisions. This reduces the duration of the procedure, minimizes blood loss, and leads to faster recovery times for patients. These innovative methods, which have achieved success in the most complex heart surgeries, are a huge leap forward from traditional heart surgery methods. Unlike current treatment methods, adopting these methods can further improve patient safety and treatment efficacy, and reduce treatment costs. In recognitions, these methods has been published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, an international journal [https://www.annalsthoracicsurgeryshortrep.org/article/S2772-9931(24)00267-5/fulltetx]. The Cardiothoracic department further gained international recognition last year for successfully performing a complex surgery for the extremely rare genetic disease, Cutis Laxa Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, which is extremely rare in the world. Their ongoing research ensures the development of effective and cost-effective treatments for patients with rare conditions. These achievements of Kottayam Medical College exemplify the excellence of Kerala's healthcare system."