–The size of the tumor was 11.5x8cms, as per the available medical records, this is the largest cardiac tumor operated in medical history –
Chennai: A 32-year-old extremely obese, young man got a second chance at life after undergoing a challenging and rare cardiac tumor surgery at Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai. Eminent doctors headed by Dr. Thejaswi N Marla, Clinical Lead, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Fortis Malar treated the challenging case via minimally invasive keyhole surgery over conventional sternotomy.
The young patient was presented at Fortis Malar with symptoms of breathlessness and frequent episodes of giddiness. Post diagnosis, Dr. Manohar G, Senior Interventional Cardiologist identified that the symptoms were due to a very large cardiac tumor, in his right atrium. The large mass measuring 11.5×8 cms was completely blocking the blood flow to the right ventricle by occupying the entire right atrium. The clinical experts at Fortis Malar diagnosed the tumor at the appropriate time and successfully excised and rebuilt the chamber with a small incision. Cardiac tumors are a rare occurrences as cardiac tissues are very resistant to cancer. Unremoved cardiac tumors can be fatal as it blocks blood circulation.
Elaborating on the case Dr. Thejaswi N Marla, Clinical Lead, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Fortis Malar said, “This is the largest cardiac tumor excised in medical history that too by a minimally invasive procedure. We diagnosed the 120 kgs male patient, with a tumour in the right atrium after performing echocardiogram and computerized tomography imaging. The mass in the right atrium was blocking blood flow to the ventricle, which is normally rare in the heart. If the mass had embolized it would have blocked the pulmonary artery leading to immediate death.
“The surgery would have been incomplete if the atrium was not properly reconstructed with sufficient chamber space. The case was challenging as the patient was heavily obese. The conventional sternotomy would have left the patient bedridden for three months. Overcoming the technical challenges like patient safety, establishing proper blood flow through Cardiopulmonary bypass, and anaesthesia risk of hypoventilation, our expert team comprising Dr. Ajeetha P. K and Dr. Naveen Kumar D, Cardiac Anaesthetists successfully removed the mass and gave a new life to the young man. After his first review, the condition of the patient was fine, and his cardiac function is normal” adds Dr. Thejaswi N Marla
Mr. Chandrasekar, Facility Director, Fortis Malar said, “I congratulate the expert team on giving the sole breadwinner a normal life. Given his young age and the difficulty of living with a cardiac mass, surgery is essential. Choosing the right treatment procedure and timely assessment helped the patient to get a new lease of life. We are proud that Dr. Thejaswi N Marla and his team of surgeons, critical care specialists, cardiac anaesthesiologists, and nurses have helped the patient recover quickly”
About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with twenty-seven healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centers (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.