Medanta Hospital Makes History: First In India To Successfully Treat Blood Clots Using AI

Haryana: Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital recently achieved a significant milestone. In a groundbreaking development, a 62-year-old patient at the hospital became the first in the country to receive treatment for blood clots using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Medanta Hospital utilized the Penumbra Flash 12 F Catheter, an AI-driven device, for endovascular procedures to successfully remove blood clots from the patient’s lung and deep vein in the leg.

Since July 2023, Medanta Hospital has treated 25 cases of pulmonary embolism, a condition where blood clots block the blood flow to an artery in the lung. Doctors highlight that this cutting-edge technology not only minimizes blood loss but also reduces complications like anemia, leading to faster patient recovery.

As cited by IndiaToday, Dr Naresh Trehan, cardiologist and Chairman of Medanta Hospital, explained the significance of the AI aspect, stating, “Instead of opening the chest and arteries, you can suck out the blood clots. The AI aspect is where you can suck out the clots without sucking out the blood. In the past, we would have to do a major operation, and there would be an element of risk as well.”

Narendra Singh, a pilot who was admitted with symptoms such as shortness of breath, sudden leg pain, and swelling, underwent the procedure using the Penumbra Flash 12 F catheter. Dr Tarun Grover, who performed the procedure, noted the success of navigating complex veins and providing immediate relief. Unlike traditional surgical methods, this procedure is performed with local anesthesia, allowing the patient to be awake and witness the procedure.

Dr Rajiv Parakh, an Endovascular specialist, emphasized the advantages of the Penumbra Lightning procedure, stating, “Unlike other procedures that may result in considerable blood loss and longer recovery, Penumbra Lightning minimizes such risks. It ensures quicker rehabilitation, reduces complications, and improves overall recovery time.”

Dr Naresh highlighted the remarkable advancement brought by this technology, offering faster recovery and improved outcomes for individuals with pulmonary embolism. In addition to this technological leap, Medanta has initiated a PERT (Pulmonary Embolism Interventions and Response Team) program to raise awareness about this potentially fatal condition, even among younger individuals. The adoption of AI in medical procedures represents a significant stride forward in providing advanced and efficient healthcare solutions.

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