First-Ever Rare Neck Artery Surgery in Chhattisgarh Gives 70-Year-Old Man a New Lease of Life

Successful Carotid Endarterectomy Performed at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur

Raipur : In a groundbreaking medical feat, doctors at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, affiliated with Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Raipur, successfully performed a rare and high-risk carotid artery surgery on a 70-year-old patient, saving his life and marking a first for the state of Chhattisgarh.

The patient had a 95% blockage in his right carotid artery—a vital blood vessel supplying oxygen-rich blood from the neck to the brain. The complex procedure, known as carotid endarterectomy, was conducted by Dr. Krishnakant Sahu, Head of the Department of Heart, Chest, and Vascular Surgery, and his team.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The elderly patient from Balaghat had been suffering for two years with recurring strokes, dizziness, blurred vision in one eye, and hearing loss. A detailed examination, including carotid CT angiography, revealed the severe blockage in the artery, which was disrupting blood flow to the brain and putting him at high risk for a major stroke.

High-Risk Procedure

Dr. Sahu explained that the surgery was extremely risky, as even a minor slip—such as a piece of plaque or an air bubble entering the brain—could result in brain death. After understanding the risks, the patient and his family gave their consent for the operation.

To maintain uninterrupted blood flow to the brain during the procedure, the surgical team used a specialized device called a carotid shunt. Once the blockage was removed, the artery was repaired using a bovine pericardium patch, restoring normal blood circulation. The surgery was successful, and the patient is now recovering well and ready for discharge.

Safer Than Stenting

While carotid artery stenting is an alternative treatment, Dr. Sahu emphasized that carotid endarterectomy is considered safer, particularly in cases of severe blockage.

What is the Carotid Artery and Why Does It Get Blocked?

The carotid arteries are the main vessels that carry blood from the neck to the brain. Blockages typically occur due to smoking, tobacco use, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol buildup.

Blockages below 50% often go unnoticed. However, when the obstruction reaches 70–80%, it can lead to symptoms resembling transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or minor strokes, such as vision loss in one eye, facial drooping, slurred speech, or imbalance.

Prevention Measures

This condition is largely preventable through lifestyle changes like quitting tobacco, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. Patients with coronary artery disease are especially vulnerable—8–10% of them also develop carotid artery blockages.

This milestone surgery not only saved a life but also set a precedent in Chhattisgarh’s medical history, showcasing the capabilities of government-run healthcare institutions and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in vascular diseases.