South 24 Parganas, 22 July 2025:
In a remarkable feat of modern medicine, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass (formerly Medica Superspecialty Hospital), Kolkata, has successfully saved the life of a 77-year-old woman from South 24 Parganas using an advanced, minimally invasive endovascular procedure to treat a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE) a dangerous blood clot in the lungs.
The life-saving intervention was led by Dr. Arindam Pande, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital. The patient, Manju Saha (name changed), was brought in with severe breathlessness and was diagnosed with acute pulmonary thromboembolism a condition in which blood clots travel from the legs to the lungs, often proving fatal if not treated promptly.
Groundbreaking Treatment Without Open Surgery
Given the patient’s history of high blood pressure and elevated bleeding risk, traditional treatment using blood thinners posed a significant danger. Dr. Pande and his team opted for a safer, mechanical thrombectomy using the Penumbra Indigo® Aspiration System an advanced device that “vacuums” out clots directly from the pulmonary arteries through a small catheter inserted via a vein.
To prevent further clots from reaching the lungs, the team also implanted a temporary Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter, a net-like device placed in the large abdominal vein to block migrating clots. Once the immediate danger passed and the patient stabilized, the filter was safely removed.
“This approach saved her life, relieved her symptoms, and avoided the dangers of major surgery,” Dr. Pande stated. “Mechanical thrombectomy using tools like the Penumbra system allows us to intervene quickly and safely when conventional treatments aren’t suitable. This is personalized care at its best.”
“It’s Like I Got a Second Life,” Says Survivor
After a swift recovery, the elderly patient expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“I couldn’t breathe properly and was scared I might not survive. But thanks to Dr. Pande and his team, I felt better within days. It’s like I got a second life,” said Manju Saha.
Manipal Hospitals – Setting New Standards in Cardiac Emergency Care
Manipal Hospitals’ Kolkata unit continues to set the benchmark for real-time, high-impact medical intervention. With over 500+ critical care beds, 75 expert cardiologists, 15 CTVS surgeons, seven Cath Labs, and round-the-clock multi-specialty emergency teams, the hospital is equipped to handle complex cardiac cases without delay.
Each year, Manipal Hospitals carries out over 30,000 cardiac procedures and 3,000+ heart surgeries, serving patients from across Eastern India, including North and South 24 Parganas.
