CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A 55-year-old gas victim had a blood clot in the pulmonary artery of his lungs, causing shortness of breath with minimal exertion, and had reached a critical condition. At Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC), this patient was treated free of charge through a small incision using a radiological interventional procedure. The patient’s issue has now been resolved, and he has been discharged from the hospital.

Assistant Radiologist Radheshyam Meena from BMHRC’s Radiology Department explained that the patient came to the Cardiology Department’s OPD with complaints of shortness of breath. The examination revealed a blood clot in his pulmonary artery, causing his symptoms, a condition known as pulmonary thromboembolism (PE). This is a fatal disease with a mortality rate of around 20-30%.

Typically, such patients are admitted to the hospital and treated with medications and injections to dissolve the blood clot, but this process takes a long time and carries the risk of side effects. With the radiological interventional procedure, medication is delivered directly to the pulmonary artery through a catheter inserted via a leg vein, which dissolves the clot. This process is known as Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT). The patient at BMHRC was treated using this method.

How DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Occurs

DVT can occur when blood flow in the veins is obstructed. It usually affects the legs. When a blood clot from the leg veins travels and gets lodged in the lung’s blood vessels, it is called pulmonary thromboembolism (PE).

Who is at Greater Risk?

Individuals with limited mobility or those who move very little. DVT is commonly seen in elderly people over 60 years.

Patients who are hospitalized for extended periods or those forced to take long bed rest.

Those affected by an accident or surgery impacting a vein.

Pregnant women, individuals with obesity, or smokers.

People with genetic predispositions.

Quote

“Interventional radiology procedures have eliminated the complexities involved in treating many diseases. Major procedures can now be performed with a small incision. BMHRC’s Radiology Department plays a leading role in providing this facility to patients.”

— Dr. Manisha Srivastava, Acting Director, BMHRC, Bhopal