First Multi-layered Flow Modulator surgery in Asia Pacific performed at the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

  • FORTISLatest technology in the treatment of aortic aneurysm
  • Multilayer flow modulator stent actually treats the aneurysms rather than excluding them

New Delhi, August 13th, 2015: In the rarest of cardiovascular procedures, doctors at the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute placed a Multi-layered Flow Modulator (MFM) to cover the Aorta aneurysm (an abnormal bulge in a portion of the blood vessel) in a 70 year old Iraqi patient, creating history. This new procedure was done under general anaesthesia, a first in the Asia Pacific region.  The team of doctors who performed this path breaking procedure was led by Dr. Atul Mathur, Director Interventional Cardiology and Dr. Yugal Mishra, Director Cardiovascular Surgery.

When Fadhil Hamood, the patient came to Fortis Escorts for treatment, it was identified that he required a bypass surgery. While the Bypass Surgery was successful a subsequent evaluation revealed that the patient had a diffuse aneurysm leading to the dilation of the Aorta in the thorax and abdomen. This dilated portion was at a very high risk of rupture leading to sudden death. The main branches to the intestines and kidneys were also arising from the diseased dilated segment.

The standard treatment of the Aortic aneurysm is either by complex open surgical repair or by placing non-surgically a branched stent; the latter procedure would exclude the aneurysm. Both these procedures have high complication rates. The team of doctors at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute decided to perform a new treatment by deploying a multi-layered flow modulator in the aorta.

The Multi-layered Flow Modulator procedure involving a thoraco-abdominal aortic repair is a skilled procedure done in only most specialized centers in the world not only because of the anatomical complexity but also due to the fragility of the patients in whom these aneurysms occur. Such repairs are complex, time-consuming and impose a systemic injury upon the patients, regardless of whether the repair is performed by open surgery or via a branched technique. The considerable risks associated with such repairs include dialysis, paralysis and death in extreme cases.

 

The multilayer flow modulator (MFM) is an innovative technology which is minimally invasive and reproducible treatment option. Behind its clinical effectiveness is the use of technology based on an entirely new concept of physics in which the blood flow is modulated by a 3D wire mesh to remove the turbulence within the aneurysm sac while the branches to the important organs are not interrupted. This makes the treatment very safe.

L-R - Dr. Y.K Mishra  Dr. Atul Mathur  Mr. Fadhil Hamood  Dr. Ashok Seth  Dr. Sumesh Mittal
L-R – Dr. Y.K Mishra, Dr. Atul Mathur, Mr. Fadhil Hamood, Dr. Ashok Seth, Dr. Sumesh Mittal

The difference in the conventional stents and the multi-layered flow modulator is the size of the latter device that is ten times the size of a stent used in the conventional method. The 3D multi-layer aspect of the device also assists in regulating the blood flow smoothly.

Dr. Ashok Seth, Chairman – Fortis Escorts Heart Institute said, “We are proud to set yet another record in the field of cardiology. The mission of the team of heart specialists in this organization will always remain to work tirelessly in this field of medical sciences. Our endeavor will always be to achieve many more victories and strive towards more solutions to give a ray of hope for numerous patients dying of failing hearts.”

Dr. Atul Mathur, Director – Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute said, “In the case of this patient the vital arteries were arising from the dilated area. The biggest challenge was treating the aneurysm without any damage to the branch arteries. The patient’s age added to the challenge. Rapid advances have taken place in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases over the last few decades. The multi layered flow modulator and timely intervention is crucial in the success of this non-surgical repair procedure.”

Dr. Yugal Mishra, Director Cardiovascular Surgery, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute said, “The patient had come to us for bypass surgery which was successful. When the challenge to treat the aneurysm came up, it was clear that the multi layered flow modulator was the most preferred option compared to an open surgical repair.”

Dr. Somesh Mittal, Zonal Director, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute said, “The expertise of the doctors at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute is unparalleled. The multi-layered flow modulator procedure conducted on this patient has revealed yet another dimension of the excellence of our doctors and the fact that they set the bar very high in achieving miraculous results. We are proud to have added yet another feather in our cap.”

Fadhil Hamood expressed his gratitude, “I really have no words to thank Dr. Mathur and his team. Now I can go back to my country without fear of the medical complications I could possibly have had. The doctors have given me my life back. ”

About Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI), Delhi, a pioneer and centre of excellence in cardiac care, is celebrating 25 years of path-breaking work and service to the numerous heart patients, who have benefitted from treatment, at this outstanding facility. Armed with clinical expertise and cutting-edge medical technology, the hospital has set enviable benchmarks in Cardiac Bypass Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Interventional Cardiology, Non-invasive Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. Till date, FEHI has successfully completed over 1,72,000 Coronary Angiographies, over 90,000 Cardiac Surgeries and almost 52,000 Coronary Angioplasties, in addition to several life-saving procedures. The hospital also performed India’s first Trans Catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and Bioresorable Vascular Scaffold (BVS); Asia Pacific’s first Directional Atherectomy, Angioscopy, Drug Eluting Stenting, etc. Over the years, FEHI has cloned a Heart Care Network of 19 hospitals and Heart Command Centers in India and abroad. It has also launched the revolutionary e-ICU program, enabling remote and timely access to critical care. Fortis Escorts Heart Institute has won numerous awards and accolades, the most recent among them being the ‘Best Cardiology Hospital’ at the ICICI Lombard & CNBC TV18 India Healthcare Awards for 2012, 2013 and the No 1. Ranking in the Private Cardiac category Hospital by The Week Nielson Best Hospitals Survey, 2014.