Best Doctors for Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in India
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rajesh Sharma is one of the most experienced and widely acclaimed Cardiothoracic and Vascular surgeons specializing in pediatric cardiac surgery in India.
- He provides treatment for both adult and pediatric heart diseases and disorders and focuses primarily on complex congenital heart diseases.
- Dr. Sharma’s expertise lies in infant and Neonatal cardiac surgery, surgery for transposition of the great arteries, Fontan circulation, and acquired heart diseases.
- His experiences encompass over 3 decades during which he has performed over 20,000 heart surgeries including congenital heart disorders as well as acquired heart defects.
- Dr. Rajesh Sharma did his fellowship training in pediatric cardiovascular surgery from premier institutes in the USA and has used his knowledge and skills to take up several complex cardiac cases and deliver excellent results.
- Along with his practice, Dr. Sharma has also been involved in teaching and training undergraduate and postgraduate students and started his career as a faculty with AIIMS, Delhi. He has also mentored cardiac surgery trainees who are now well-established surgeons in various parts of India.
- Dr. Rajesh Sharma has contributed immensely to the field of pediatric cardiac surgery in India and has various publications to his name in renowned national and international scientific journals.
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 40 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Krishna Subramony Iyer is one of the best Pediatric Cardiac surgeons in India and specializes in congenital heart diseases.
- He has been practicing pediatric cardiac surgery for over 4 decades and has performed more than 10,000 surgeries through various procedures like double switch operation TAPVC repairs, Fontan and Fontan, arterial switch, and DORV.
- Dr. Iyer has been associated with Escorts Heart Institute for a long time and is responsible for establishing the first pediatric cardiac care program in North India in 1995.
- Cardiac Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 21 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Kulbhushan Singh Dagar, a pioneer and an expert in the cardiology field earned his reputation through his exceptional performance in the field of complex congenital heart defects, especially for newborns.
- With over 21 years of experience, Dr. Dagar has dedicatedly performed complex surgical procedures by implementing innovative techniques and cutting-edge technologies in his procedures and is currently considered an asset to the cardiac industry, not just nationally, but internationally too!
- Cardiac Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 25 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Z S Meharwal is a well-known cardiac surgeon in India who has performed more than 20,000 cardiac surgeries in his career that including some of the most complex and high-risk cardiac procedures.
- Dr. Meharwal is a member of the founding team that started the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and has been associated with the hospital since then.
- His interest lies in Minimally Invasive Cardiac procedures, valve repair, and replacement, and heart transplants among other major vascular and thoracic surgeries.
- Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das is a well-known cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon and has performed the first Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) on a beating heart in India.
- He has performed over 20,000 cardiac surgeries and does more than 800 cardiac surgeries annually.
- With a keen interest in cardiovascular and thoracic procedures, Dr. Das is the first cardiac surgeon to use all arterial grafts for multiple coronary revascularizations. He was also the first to use coronary sinus in Fontan’s circulation.
- Vascular Surgeon and Interventional Cardiologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. T S Kler is undoubtedly one of the best vascular surgeons not only in India but also abroad. He has performed more than 25,000 Surgeries in his life which makes him stand where he is.
- He is a pioneer in electrophysiology & he established the first dedicated Electrophysiology department in India at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute.
- Dr. T S Kler initiated a radio Frequency Ablations programme at Escorts in 1993, one of the first of its kind in India. He was the first doctor in India to implant an ICD, CRT-P & CRT-D.
- Heart & Lung transplant Surgeon, Hyderabad, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sandeep Attawar is a highly recognized Heart and Lung transplant surgeon in India who has over 2 decades of experience as a cardiac surgeon and has performed more than 10,000 cardiac surgeries on adult and pediatric patients.
- Dr. Attawar specializes in all types of surgeries for adults as well as pediatric heart patients and finds interest in heart and lung transplant surgery, congenital heart surgery, Aortic aneurysm repair, and implantation of heart failure devices.
- Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Ajay Kaul is a leading name in the field of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery in India with over 3 decades of experience.
- He specializes in Coronary Bypass surgery and is one of the best with the highest number of total arterial coronary bypass surgery (4000+) by using two internal mammary arteries from the chest and without any cuts on arms and legs.
- He is also an expert in minimally invasive cardiac surgeries (MICS) and has performed more than 4000 MICS which is the highest by any cardiac surgeon in India.
- Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon, Gurugram, India
- Over 35 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Anil Bhan is an excellent Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon who has performed more than 15,000 cardiac and vascular surgeries that include heart transplant surgery, aortic aneurysm surgery, pediatric cardiac surgery, valve repairs, and peripheral vascular surgery among several others.
- He is one of the best pediatric cardiac surgeons in Delhi/ NCR and is credited with performing heart bypass surgery on the youngest patient in India in 2007 (18 months).
- He performed the first extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and was the first to use a harmonic scalpel for harvesting radial mammary artery conduits in India in 2000 and 1995 respectively.
- Cardiac Surgeon, Gurugram, India
- Over 40 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Naresh Trehan is one of the most highly skilled and globally recognized cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons.
- He started his career as a Cardiac Surgeon at New York University Medical Centre where he performed over 3000 coronary artery surgeries and returned to India in 1988 and founded the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Center in New Delhi.
- Dr. Trehan is the Founder Chairman of Medanta- The Medicity in Gurugram, a premier multi-specialty hospital with state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipped with the latest and advanced technologies.
Best Hospitals for Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in India
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is a 700-bedded multispecialty hospital in the heart of the capital of India. It is a part of Apollo Hospital group, one of India’s most reputed healthcare chains. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has been accredited by Joint Commission International, making it the first internationally accredited hospital in the country in 2005.
- There are 52 specialties in the hospital with one of the best cardiology centers in the country. The hospital is also equipped with State of the art infrastructure facilities with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia and the largest number of ICU bed facilities in India.
- The hospital also has one of the largest dialysis units in India along with a dedicated Bone Marrow Transplant unit.
- The latest and highly advanced technologies that are installed in the hospital include Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, PET-MR, PET-CT, Cobalt-based HDR Brachytherapy, Brain Lab Navigation System, Tilting MRI, Portable CT scanner, 3 Tesla MRI, 128 Slice CT scanner, DSA Lab, Endosonography, Hyperbaric Chamber and Fibro scan.
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute is a multi-super-specialty, quaternary care hospital with 1000 beds. The hospital comprises reputed clinicians, and international faculty and is also equipped with cutting-edge technology. The hospital is a part of Fortis Healthcare Limited, a reputed chain of private hospitals in India.
- It is a NABH-accredited hospital that is spread across 11 acres of land and has a capacity of 1000 beds. The hospital has 55 specialties and is one of the premier health care centers in the Asia Pacific region popularly known as “the Mecca of Healthcare”.
- The hospital has 260 diagnostic centers and is also equipped with the latest and advanced techniques that include 3 Telsa which is the world’s first Digital MRI technology. The hospital also has world-class Radiation Therapy techniques which have been developed by leading technology experts from Elekta and Brain Lab.
Apollo Hospital, Chennai
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is one of the best hospitals for heart care in India. Over the years, Apollo has expanded all over India, as a healthcare chain.
- India’s first ‘Only Pancreas’ transplant was performed in Apollo Hospital. The hospital is known for successfully performing Asia’s first en-bloc combined heart and liver transplant, and over the years, it has attained a remarkable achievement in the global healthcare space. Around 3-4 organ transplants are performed in the hospital per day.
- Equipped with over 500 beds, this hospital in Chennai was established in 1983 and since then has been among the most preferred hospital for patients from all over the world.
- The hospital holds accreditation of the NABH and JCI and is the first hospital in India to be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. It is also the first South Indian Hospital to receive subsequent reaccreditation from the JCI USA 4 times.
Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of India’s best and largest multi-specialty hospitals, Medanta was built with the aim to bring India to the highest standards of medical care. The hospital has been providing the best medical services to its patients, since its inception, with care, commitment, and compassion.
- Equipped with 1250 beds, the hospital was founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan in the year 2009 with an aim to provide the best medical care at affordable costs. The hospital is spread across 43 acres and includes 45 operation theatres and 350 beds dedicated solely to ICU. The hospital includes over 800 doctors, and more than 22 specialty departments and has a dedicated floor for individual specialty in order to offer the best services under one roof.
- The hospital is considered one of the premier institutes in India for Cardiac Care and includes staffs and members of high caliber. The hospital has 6 distinct centers of excellence.
Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of the well-regarded providers in India committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient care, Max Super Specialty Hospital is a part of Max Healthcare, which is the second-largest healthcare chain in India. Regarded as one of the most well-regarded healthcare providers in the country, Max Super Specialty Hospital is committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence as well as patient care. The hospital is also equipped with the latest technology as well as cutting-edge research. The hospital is known to deliver and ensure the highest level of patient care.
- The hospital has more than 500 beds and offers treatment for over 35 specialties. The hospital also holds the credit of having installed the first Brain Suite in Asia. This is a highly advanced Neurosurgical machine that allows MRI to be taken while surgery is ongoing.
- Other advanced and latest technologies are also installed in the hospital such as the 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, 64 Slice CT Angiography, 4D ECHO, LINAC, and 3.5T MRI machine.
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of the most well-known hospitals in the Delhi NCR, Artemis Hospital is the first hospital in Gurugram to get accredited by the Joint Commission International.
- With more than 40 specialties, the hospital has been designed to be one of the most technically advanced hospitals in the country, with the best medical and surgical health care. The hospital has eleven special and dedicated centers, for Heart, Cancer, Neurosciences, etc.
- The latest technologies in the hospital include Endovascular Hybrid Operating Suite and Flat panel Cath Labs for the cardiovascular department, 3 Tesla MRI, 16 slice PET CT, 64 Slice Cardiac CT Scan, HDR Brachytherapy, and highly advanced Image Guided Radiation Therapy techniques (LINAC) are installed in the hospital.
- The hospital has won several awards as well, since its inception.
BLK Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Equipped with 650 beds, BLK Superspecialty Hospital is the largest stand-alone private sector hospital in Delhi.
- With over 1500 healthcare providers and 150 globally renowned super specialists, the hospital is one of Asia’s largest Bone Marrow Transplant Centres. The hospital is known for having some of the best cancer doctors in the country.
- The hospital is NABH and NABL accredited and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.
Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Chennai
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1999, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai, is one of the top healthcare facilities in Southern India. It is part of the Gleneagles Hospital Chain, which is the fourth largest healthcare chain in the country. The hospital specializes in multi-organ transplants of kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, etc.
- The hospital has an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art lab and equipment set-up. The hospital boasts cutting-edge technologies, a highly skilled team of doctors and surgeons, and trained support staff. Located in Perumbakam, Chennai, it is one of India’s premier health care destinations. The hospital has performed some of the most complex surgical and clinical procedures in India including multi-organ transplantations.
- The hospital’s lung transplantation program is one of the best in the country. The hospital is known for having performed India’s first single lung transplant and first minimal invasive lung transplant. It is also the only Indian hospital to be associated with King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom for liver transplantations.
Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Hospital in Mulund is a 315-bed multi-speciality tertiary care hospital with five JCI accreditations that offers a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The Fortis Hospital in Mulund delivers patient-centred treatment with cutting-edge technology, highly skilled and experienced surgeons, and paramedical staff.
- This institution houses Maharashtra’s largest multi-organ transplant centre. It is also the first heart transplant centre in western India to conduct 100 or more consecutive heart transplants in under four years. It is the only hospital in the city to have multi-organ transplants and has handled the youngest patient for angioplasty. Fortis Hospital Mulund now boasts the first advanced surgical robot in central Mumbai.
- Cardiology and heart surgery, urology, nephrology, neurosciences, orthopaedics, digestive care, emergency and critical care, and maternity care are among the services provided by the hospital.
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Named after the wife of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, this is one of the top hospitals in Mumbai. This 750-bed multi-specialty hospital became operational in 2009. Known as one of India’s most advanced tertiary care facilities, the hospital is designed to raise India’s global standing as a healthcare hub, with an emphasis on excellence in clinical services.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital uses Protocol and Care Pathway based treatment models to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
- The hospital represents a confluence of top-notch talent, cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and, most importantly commitment.
- The hospital also holds the accreditation of the NABH, NABL, CAP, and JCI.
- The hospital has been recognized as the No. 1 Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai and the West Zone for the fifth year in a row in 2020 by The Week.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is the inflammation or swelling of the aorta which is the largest artery of the body. Large aneurysms are rare but are fatal if they burst. It runs from the heart to the abdomen through the chest and is the largest vessel in the human body. A rupture of the AAA can cause bleeding that may be life-threatening.
Types of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The size and the speed of growth of an Aneurysm are the key factors for the classification.
- Small (<5.5 cm): These are slow-growing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with a comparatively lesser risk of rupturing than the larger aneurysms. Regular abdominal ultrasounds are often helpful in monitoring these aneurysms.
- Large (>5.5 cm): These are fast-growing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms that have high chances of rupturing. There might be internal bleeding due to rupture followed by other major complications. The larger the size of the aneurysm, the higher the chances of treating the same through the surgery.
Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
In most cases, a small abdominal aortic aneurysm shows no symptoms. However, a larger AAA may cause pain or a pulsating feeling in the abdomen & persistent back pain. As it grows slowly without showing any visible symptoms, it is often difficult to detect an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. While some aneurysms stay small without any rupture, many others grow large.
They may notice a few symptoms if they have an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm that continues to enlarge. These symptoms may include back pain, deep and persistent pain in the abdomen, and a pulsating feel near the belly button. It also includes clammy skin, nausea, shock, and vomiting.
A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm may cause:
- Dizziness
- Sweaty skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
Causes & risk factors of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Age: Increasing age is a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Gender: AAAs are most common in men aged over 65.
- Smoking: Tobacco contains substances that damage the aortic wall.
- Atherosclerosis: In atherosclerosis, there is the narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque. These plaques cause the widening of the aorta so that the blood keeps on flowing leading to the weakening of the aorta.
- High blood pressure: It increases the pressure on aortic walls. This may weaken the walls of the aorta and cause damage to the same.
- Family history: Having a family history of AAA may increase the risk of developing it.
- Infection in the aorta: A fungal or bacterial infection may cause an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
- Blood vessel diseases: Some diseases may cause inflammation in the blood vessels.
- Trauma: An injury or trauma may also cause an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
Risk factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Family history: If you have a family history of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, you are at an increased risk of developing the condition.
- Tobacco use: Tobacco consumption can increase your chances of developing an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
- Color complexion: People with white or fair color complexion have a risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Other types of aneurysm: If you have an aneurysm in some other blood vessel, it may increase your risk for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
Diagnosis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Routine physical examination
During the routine physical examination, the doctor checks for a distinctive pulsating sensation in the abdomen.
Abdominal MRI
The imaging test uses computer-generated radio waves and a magnetic field for displaying the images of the abdominal structures.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, which is the most common test, is a painless test for diagnosing an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. It utilizes sound waves for depicting the flow of blood through the abdominal structures.
Abdominal CT scan
This test involves the use of X-rays for creating cross-sectional images of the abdominal structures. The scan can help in detecting the shape and size of the aneurysm as it offers clear images.
Treatment options for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The treatment options for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm may vary depending upon the size of the AAA.
Medical monitoring
Also called watchful waiting, this is a preferable method for small and asymptomatic aneurysms. It requires the patient to undergo imaging tests and checkup with the doctor, regularly.
Treatment of Large AAA
The surgical options are a choice when the aneurysm is around 2 inches or more in size. If you have a painful aneurysm or stomach pain, your doctor might recommend you to undergo the surgery. The location and size of the aneurysm determine the type of surgery for treating the aneurysms.
Endovascular surgery
During endovascular surgery, a small incision is made in the groin through which a graft made of metal mesh is inserted & advanced to the swollen aorta. This graft is sealed to the aortic wall at both ends which reduces the risk of bursting.
Open surgery
In open surgery, an incision is made into the stomach & replaces the enlarged abdominal aorta with a graft made up of synthetic material.
Treatment of small or medium AAA
For a small (3.0-4.4cm) or medium (4.5-5.4cm) aneurysm, surgery may not be recommended as it may not benefit the patient. The patient is called for regular check-ups (every year in case of a small aneurysm and every three months in case of a medium aneurysm) & scans to monitor the size of the aneurysm.
The patient is advised to prevent the aneurysm from getting bigger, which is done by:
- Stopping smoking
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular exercise
Complications of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
A ruptured aneurysm or aortic dissection (or tear) in the layers of the Aortic wall are the major complications. The larger the size and speed of growth of the aneurysm, the higher are the chances of Aneurysm rupture which may cause bleeding, which is life-threatening.
You will realize a ruptured aneurysm if you have low blood pressure, sudden and continuous abdominal pain, or a faster pulse. A tearing sensation or back pain also signifies the rupture of an aneurysm.
Prevention Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
There are various ways of preventing and worsening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. These, does not limit to but, may include:
- Quitting the consumption of tobacco and smoking may help prevent aneurysms.
- Maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol by following the instructions of the doctor.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables is also helpful.
- Exercising regularly with the right activities advised by the doctor may also help prevent aneurysms.
FAQs
AAA is a swelling in the aorta that runs from the heart to the abdomen. Yes, it is a serious condition if the detection is late as bigger aneurysms have more chances of rupturing and can be life-threatening as well.
Yes, one can live a normal life with an abdominal aortic aneurysm by preventing the conditions that may cause rupturing of the aneurysm.
The warning signs of AAA are chest pain, back pain, loss of consciousness, headache, and coughing blood.
You must avoid fried foods, sugary drinks, packaged foods, dairy products, fatty meats, white carbohydrates, and Hugh cholesterol foods.
The most common symptom of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is discomfort or abdominal pain which may either be constant or come and go at irregular intervals.
Yes, some people may experience bowel problems if they are suffering from abdominal aortic aneurysms while others may not experience the same.
Many people have a smaller aneurysm that is present with no visible symptoms. However, many people have a larger aneurysm which may be easily felt in the stomach because of its size.
There are various trigger factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm which include smoking high blood pressure, a traumatic injury to the brain, infection in the blood, fatty buildup on the walls of the blood vessels or atherosclerosis, blood infection, and use of cocaine or amphetamine.