Bengaluru, September 25, 2026: In a remarkable demonstration of multidisciplinary medical expertise, SPARSH Hospital, Infantry Road, successfully treated a 66-year-old patient airlifted from the UAE with severe cardiac, respiratory, and neurological complications.
The patient, who has a history of diabetes and hypotension, was initially advised to undergo a coronary angiogram in the UAE after diagnostic scans revealed a significantly reduced ejection fraction (EF). His condition worsened rapidly, requiring extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and a tracheostomy during his hospital stay in the UAE.
He was subsequently airlifted to Bengaluru and admitted to SPARSH Hospital, presenting with chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stridor, and known tracheal stenosis.
Given the intricacy of his presentation, SPARSH Hospital mobilized a cross-functional team involving specialists from Pulmonology, Cardiology, Thoracic Surgery, and Neurology to coordinate his care.
A Phased, Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan
The pulmonology team, led by Dr. Venkatesh, Senior Consultant – Pulmonology, and Dr. Ganesh Pratap, Consultant Pulmonologist – Allergy & Asthma Specialist, first evaluated the patient’s compromised airway. To immediately relieve his breathing distress, the team performed a preliminary procedure to widen the narrowed trachea and improve airflow.
Once the patient’s airway was temporarily stabilized, the cardiology team, headed by Dr. (Prof.) Ranjan Shetty, Lead Consultant – Cardiologist & Medical Director, focused on his severe cardiac issues. Although the patient initially opted for conservative medical management, continuous monitoring and thorough clinical counseling led to a coronary angiogram.
The scan revealed severe blockages in two major coronary arteries. Considering the patient’s fragile state, the team executed a staged interventional plan to clear the obstructions safely across separate sessions.
Managing Acute Complications
During his hospital stay, the patient experienced a sudden episode of loss of consciousness. The SPARSH neurology team immediately performed an MRI, which revealed a small intracranial bleed. Under the care of Dr. Anil Ramakrishna, Senior Consultant – Neurology, prompt non-invasive medical management was initiated, successfully resolving the neurological event without interrupting his broader recovery plan.
With his cardiac and neurological conditions stable, Dr. Vijay C.L., Consultant – Thoracic Surgery, performed a definitive tracheal reconstruction. The procedure involved resecting the narrow, damaged segment of the trachea and rejoining the healthy ends through surgical anastomosis.
Outcome and Path to Recovery
Following the series of targeted interventions, the patient demonstrated dramatic clinical improvement. His breathing normalized, and his cardiac function showed remarkable progress, with his ejection fraction rising from an initial 35–40% to nearly 50%.
Highlighting the case, Dr. (Prof.) Ranjan Shetty stated, “In complex cases, treating individual conditions in isolation is only part of the challenge. Success depends on bringing the right expertise together, planning care as a unified team, and keeping the patient’s complete functional recovery at the center of every decision. At SPARSH, our multispecialty model is designed around this vision—not just to treat diseases, but to help patients regain their overall quality of life. This case stands as a powerful example of what seamless clinical collaboration can achieve.”
What began as an emergency air evacuation from the UAE for complex cardiac care ultimately concluded as a comprehensive medical victory. The patient has been discharged in stable condition, breathing comfortably, and returning to an active, healthier life.
