Jaslok Hospital doctors perform Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator implantation to treat rare heart disease

Mumbai: Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai achieved a remarkable breakthrough in treating an extremely rare heart disease that occurs in only 5 in 1,000,000 people in Asia. 

Mr. Raj Gorsa, a bank employee, experienced unusual symptoms such as chest pain, severe palpitations, and blackouts while working. On 10th November 2023, he was rushed to Jaslok Emergency Department. 

After a check-up and a series of tests, doctors identified that Raj had recurrent ventricular tachycardia, a potentially dangerous cardiac rhythm disorder. Despite initial attempts of treating him with medications, Raj's condition did not improve. As a result, the Cardiac team decided to perform an Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) implantation.

The Primary Cardiologist, Dr Rahul Chhabria mentioned “Myocardial tuberculosis is exceptionally rare forms of extra-pulmonary TB with few cases were reported world-wide. Sarcoidosis (CS) is multisystem granulomatous inflammatory disease with formation of non-caseating granulomas (lumps of proteins) of unknown aetiology. Sarcoidosis a rare heart disease that results from immune system to overreact causing lumps of tissues (granulomas) in the heart muscle.

Primary treatment for Cardiac Sarcoidosis is immunosuppression with corticosteroids with the goal of reducing inflammation and fibrosis, thereby preventing disease progression. Tuberculous Myocarditis is treated with combination of four anti TB drugs to achieve the disease control. Mr Raj was started on steroids and Anti TB drug treatment”

Mr. Raj continued to suffer from ventricular tachycardia and received multiple shocks from AICD to convert his heart rhythm to normal hence he was advised surgical options for controlling heart rate. He then underwent bilateral Thoracoscopic sympathectomy. This procedure involves cutting of the specific sympathetic nerves (the nerves that control the heart rate).

The procedure was done in this patient using Thoracoscopic Minimally Invasive Techniques. This is rare surgery which is a last resort to control heart rate that is done for life threatening ventricular arrhythmias receiving AICD shocks. The surgery was high risk as he had persistently abnormal heart rate. The Multidisciplinary team that looked after Raj’s periprocedural care ensuring an uneventful recovery was discharged hail and hearty on 27th November 2023. The team monitored his heart condition for 6 weeks to ensure that there are no heart rhythm disturbances affecting his daily life.

Dr Upendra Bhalerao, Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, the lead surgeon in Raj Gorsa's case at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, expressed, "The successful treatment of Raj's complex cardiac condition is a testament to the collaborative effort and dedication of our Clinical team. There was striking improvement in his heart rate and rhythm following this surgery and normalcy was restored”

Mr Jitendra Haryan, CEO at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, shared his views, saying, "With the constant efforts of our team, we are glad to provide quality treatment for the rarest cardiac conditions. We strive to improve with each passing day, and every patient that comes to Jaslok Hospital is treated with the utmost care and compassion."

Expressing his gratitude, Raj Gorsa, the patient, stated, "I am happy to be alive and recovering now. My heart disease had turned my life upside down, and there were several touch-and-go moments when I would receive shocks to get my heart back in action. I owe a lot to the doctors and medical staff at Jaslok Hospital who persisted in their efforts to get my heart condition back to normal."