Pune: In a remarkable example of advanced cardiac care and the Armed Forces’ continued commitment to veterans, Army Institute of Cardiothoracic Sciences – AICTS Pune successfully performed a high-risk Impella-supported angioplasty on a 78-year-old retired Indian Air Force veteran, Ex-Sergeant Dattatreyulu, providing him with a new lease of life through a complex and life-saving cardiac procedure.
A veteran of the Indian Air Force who retired in 1984, Ex-Sergeant Dattatreyulu was diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease, with nearly 90 percent blockages in his coronary arteries.
Due to his advanced age and the presence of other medical conditions, conventional coronary artery bypass surgery was considered a high-risk treatment option.
Given the complexity of the case, doctors at AICTS Pune identified an Impella-supported angioplasty as the most suitable intervention.
The Impella device supports the heart’s pumping function and helps maintain blood circulation during the angioplasty procedure, significantly reducing the risk of life-threatening complications.
The treatment, however, is highly specialized and expensive, with costs estimated at nearly ₹30 lakh, making it difficult for the pensioner to afford.
Recognizing the challenges involved, ECHS Hyderabad referred the patient to AICTS Pune for advanced cardiac management and further evaluation.
Under the leadership of the Head of the Department of Cardiology, a dedicated multidisciplinary team at AICTS Pune conducted a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition and planned the intervention with meticulous precision.
The team subsequently performed the complex Impella-supported angioplasty successfully.
The procedure resulted in a positive clinical outcome and a significant improvement in the veteran’s health condition, demonstrating the capability of AICTS Pune in handling complex cardiac cases requiring advanced interventional expertise.
Expressing his gratitude after the successful treatment, Ex-Sergeant Dattatreyulu said, “Today, I am alive and well because of the efforts of Colonel Jayachandra and his team.
AICTS Pune gave me not only treatment but a second chance at life. As a retired soldier, I feel proud that the Armed Forces continue to stand by and support their veterans even after retirement.”
He also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the entire medical, nursing and support staff who contributed to his treatment and recovery.
The successful intervention further underscores the advanced cardiac care capabilities available at AICTS Pune and highlights the institution’s role in delivering specialized healthcare services to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
The achievement also reflects the continued commitment of the Armed Forces Medical Services towards providing quality, compassionate and patient-centric healthcare to members of the armed forces community.
As a premier cardiac care institution, AICTS Pune remains dedicated to offering advanced, life-saving and patient-focused treatment solutions for serving personnel, veterans and their dependents, ensuring access to world-class cardiac care when it is needed most.
