GMKMCH doctors perform IVC filter procedure in Salem

Doctors of the cardiology department of the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital (GMKMCH) have performed an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter procedure on a patient on Thursday.

Hospital Dean J. Devi Meenal said that last month Sumathi (40), a resident of Perambalur district, had a pulmonary embolism, excessive blood vessel growth called hemangioma in her right leg, and deep vein thrombosis in both legs. She was admitted to the cardiology department, where she was administered Streptokinase injection, a drug to prevent blood clotting, which successfully treated her pulmonary embolism. To prevent another occurrence of pulmonary embolism, it was decided to place an IVC filter.

“This was necessary because if she experienced another pulmonary embolism, it could lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and a significant drop in blood pressure, which could threaten her life. Pulmonary embolism occurred in one in 1,000, and deep vein thrombosis occurs in two in 1,000 and more than one lakh people die due to pulmonary embolism annually. On February 13, an IVC filter was successfully placed, and she was now in good health,” Dr. Devi Meenal added.

Explaining another case, the dean said that another woman aged 64 was admitted on February 20 with acute submassive pulmonary thromboembolism. A CT pulmonary angiogram showed partially occluding thrombus in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Lipoprotein (a) was thrombolysed with streptokinase over 24 hours.

Since the patient continued to require dual inotropes, taken for invasive mechanical aspiration of thrombus, suction and aspiration were done. The pulmonary angiogram showed free of thrombus in the main and branch pulmonary artery. The patient became symptomatically better and tapered from inotropes and was discharged and was doing well. This treatment was entirely free under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. Similar treatment in private hospitals would cost between ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, Dr. Devi Meenal added.