Life Saved at Max Hospital Lucknow: Minimal Intervention Prevents Leg Amputation for 55-Year-Old Patient
The patient arrived at the emergency department after suffering for several days with severe pain, black discoloration, and an inability to lift his left foot. His leg was cold and pale—classic symptoms indicating a critically compromised blood supply. Further investigation, including an angiography, confirmed a complete blockage in two major arteries of the left leg (one near the hip and the other behind the knee). Amputation was the only remaining option without immediate intervention.
Emergency Minimal Invasive Vascular Surgery
The Interventional Radiology team at Max Hospital acted quickly. Instead of opting for complex open surgery, they chose an emergency minimally invasive vascular procedure to clear the blockage. The team was led by Dr. Shahbaz Mohd Khan, Associate Director, and Dr. Swish Kumar Singh, Senior Consultant.
Dr. Shahbaz Mohd Khan emphasized the urgency of the situation: "This was a critical case. Delays in treating blocked arteries like this can lead to permanent damage, making amputation inevitable. We performed a minimally invasive procedure, utilizing catheter-directed thrombolysis, stenting, and mechanical thrombectomy. This approach quickly restored circulation. The patient regained his ability to lift his foot immediately following the procedure."
Timely Intervention is Key in Acute Limb Ischemia
Dr. Swish Kumar Singh further highlighted the importance of speed in such cases: "In situations like Acute Limb Ischemia, timely intervention makes all the difference. We opted for a minimally invasive technique to act swiftly, restoring circulation without the need for open surgery. This approach facilitates faster patient recovery and, crucially, avoids amputation. Delaying treatment beyond 8 hours in these cases carries an 80% risk of amputation."
The patient is recovering well and his leg has been saved. This successful case underscores Max Hospital, Lucknow's, commitment and expertise in utilizing modern, minimally invasive techniques to manage emergency vascular conditions, preventing life-altering outcomes for patients.