NAHARLAGUN, June 29: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a team of medical professionals at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Arunachal Pradesh, led by renowned Cardiologist Dr. R.D. Megeji, has successfully implanted a 3 Tesla MRI-compatible dual chamber Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) in a 37-year-old female patient.
The procedure, aimed at the primary prevention of cardiac arrest in a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, marks a significant milestone for the field of cardiology in the region. Cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare condition characterized by inflammation and the formation of granulomas in the heart, which can lead to severe complications, including heart failure and arrhythmias. The 3 Tesla MRI-compatible dual chamber AICD implantation serves as a crucial preventive measure against potential cardiac arrest, offering the patient enhanced safety and peace of mind.
The implantation of the MRI-compatible AICD, the first of its kind in Arunachal Pradesh, showcases the exceptional capabilities of the Department of Cardiology at TRIHMS and adds yet another feather to its cap. The team, consisting of Dr. Tony Ete, Cath lab technician Mr. Nilutpal Goswami, and O.T Nursing Officer Joram Moni,
The team also expressed their deep gratitude to the patient and her family, as well as to the Head of the Department of Anaesthesiology, the O.T In-Charge, the Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of TRIHMS, the Director of TRIHMS, and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for their unwavering support and trust in the cardiology team.
Having previously performed over seventy permanent pacemaker implantations, the team at TRIHMS is no stranger to complex cardiac procedures. However, the successful installation of the cath lab facility has opened up new possibilities, enabling the team to perform life-saving cardiac procedures right within Arunachal Pradesh. This development not only relieves patients of the financial and mental burden of traveling long distances but also significantly reduces the risk of imminent death associated with delayed treatments.
Dr. R.D. Megeji, the lead cardiologist, expressed his excitement about the team’s accomplishments and the future possibilities for advancing cardiac care in Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized the importance of locally available medical resources and expertise in saving lives, while also expressing his gratitude to the collaborative efforts of the medical staff, the hospital administration, and the government.