AIIMS Jammu conducts first femoro-popliteal bypass surgery

Jammu, Oct 18: In a groundbreaking achievement, the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu, Friday successfully conducted its first vascular surgery, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s medical history.

An AIIMS spokesperson said that the operation - a femoro-popliteal bypass surgery for a patient with Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), was performed under the leadership of Prof Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS, Jammu.

“This pioneering surgery signals the initiation of a new era of advanced cardiothoracic and vascular procedures at AIIMS Vijaypur. Designated as an institution of national importance, AIIMS Jammu is set to become a regional leader in cutting-edge cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries,” the spokesperson said.

The procedure was carried out by a highly skilled team from the CTVS department, led by Dr Sartaj Ahmad Guroo and Dr Parvez, Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine with the Anaesthesia team comprising Dr Shruti and Dr Sandeepika.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which involves the narrowing or blockage of arteries in the limbs, particularly the legs, poses serious health risks. If left untreated, PVD can lead to painful symptoms, diminished mobility and potentially limb amputation. The femoro-popliteal bypass surgery, which involves rerouting blood flow around blocked sections of the femoral or popliteal artery, is one of the most effective treatments for advanced PVD.

This procedure can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life by alleviating chronic pain and preventing amputation.

“As the first of its kind at AIIMS Jammu, this surgery not only showcases the growing capabilities of the institute but also offers renewed hope to patients in Jammu and surrounding areas suffering from critical vascular conditions,” spokesperson said.

“Since its inauguration in 2020, AIIMS Jammu has rapidly established itself as a crucial healthcare provider in the region, particularly for patients previously facing limited access to advanced medical treatments. The introduction of specialized surgeries like the femoro-popliteal bypass underscores the institute’s commitment to improving patient care and reducing the burden on those who would otherwise travel long distances for complex procedures,” spokesperson said.

The success of this surgery was a collaborative effort among the CTVS department, the Anaesthesiology team and critical care specialists.

In a statement following the surgery, the team expressed gratitude to the administration of AIIMS Jammu for its significant investments in enhancing the surgical facilities and ensuring the availability of state-of-the-art equipment.

“We are fortunate to have leadership that believes in investing in healthcare advancements and supporting the development of our surgical capabilities,” the team remarked.