~ The hospital’s pioneering cardiac care unit continues its legacy with two successful surgeries performed by Dr Brajesh Kunwar to save the lives of two heart patients

NAVI MUMBAI, 24 APRIL 2025 (GPN): Emphasizing its advanced cardiac care capabilities, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai (AHNM), successfully treated two cases – one of pulmonary embolism and another of myocardial infarction – saving the lives of a 24-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man recently. Dr Brajesh Kunwar, Sr Consultant Interventional Cardiology at AHNM, led the interventions in both cases with the help of a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals.

Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot obstructing pulmonary arteries with the mortality or the death rate being up to 60%.

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs due to sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. In India, MI is a leading cause of mortality, with onset often a decade earlier than in Western populations.

Both situations were life-or-death; the lives of Ms Pooja and Mr Sanjeev Seth were hanging in the balance when they were admitted at AHNM. However, their remarkable recoveries were brought on with through the work of Dr Kunwar and team, proving their calibre.

Explaining the two cases, Dr Brajesh Kunwar said, “In the first case, it was a 24-year-old woman called Pooja, who was admitted at 2AM one night with a diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism. In this condition, there is a large clot which blocks the pulmonary artery, so it requires immediate treatment. Once the patient reached Apollo Hospital, all emergency cardiac protocols ensured that patient was swiftly shifted to the advanced Cath Lab. The immediate intervention led to dramatic improvement in Pooja’s condition. In 3 days she was discharged & a young life was saved. As of now she is holidaying with her loved ones at her native place.

As for the other case, it was a 55-year-old man called Sanjeev Seth who was admitted to AHNM with a massive myocardial infarction. Emergency protocols ensured he was swiftly shifted to the Cath Lab & investigations revealed a 100% block in his left ventricle. Chances of survival were grim & we counselled the family suggesting options like ECCMO & Impella. The family was very determined & we decided to go with the Impella placement. Impella is an artificial heart, and after the procedure, Mr Sanjeev began recovering. He started showing excellent response & we were able to wean him off the ventilator. With supportive care he was able to make excellent recovery & walked out of the hospital after discharge. Both these cases were complicated, and could be successfully managed with the support of the multidisciplinary team of doctors at AHNM.”

Ms Pooja, a resident of Raigad, while speaking about her experience, said, “I had severe chest pain and difficulty breathing, and went to a hospital seeking treatment. They diagnosed me with pulmonary embolism, and referred me to Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. At Apollo, Dr Brajesh treated me, and I could instantly feel my health getting better. Although my condition was life-threatening, by the next morning, I was fine. I profusely thank Dr Brajesh and team for saving my life.”

Mr Rajesh Seth, brother of Mr Sanjeev, a Navi Mumbai resident, said, “There are no words to describe the emotions we underwent. My brother was brought to AHNM with a massive attack, and the work that Dr Brajesh and his team have done is exemplary. It was a serious condition, and Dr Brajesh used all his might to revive my brother. When he recommended to use Impella, we immediately said yes, because it meant that my brother could be saved from imminent death. His timely suggestion is why my brother is alive now, and I’m beyond thankful.”

Mr. Arunesh Punetha, Regional CEO- Western Region, Apollo Hopsitals, emphasized the hospital’s mission to deliver world-class cardiac care: “Our cardiac experts are trained in advanced interventional procedures and have been successfully saving lives. The multidisciplinary approach ensures that right from the Emergency Room to the advanced Cath Lab & then the ICU all staff coordinate to provide the best care possible. These 2 cases are a testament to our commitment to patient care.”