65-year-old man saved from life-threatening brain artery blockage at KIMS Seethammadhara
Doctors at KIMS Hospitals, Seethammadhara, successfully saved a 65-year-old man who was at high risk of a fatal stroke due to severe blockages in major arteries supplying blood to the brain.
Visakhapatnam: Doctors at KIMS Hospitals, Seethammadhara, successfully saved a 65-year-old man who was at high risk of a fatal stroke due to severe blockages in major arteries supplying blood to the brain.
According to hospital doctors, the patient had been suffering from repeated episodes of dizziness for about a month before suddenly developing weakness on one side of his body. He was initially treated in Srikakulam and later referred to KIMS Seethammadhara for advanced care.
A team led by Dr. Raja Kumar Ponnana, Consultant Neurologist, and Dr. Venkatesh Pothula, Head of Neuro and Vascular Interventional Radiology, diagnosed critical narrowing in the vertebral and basilar arteries, which are essential for blood supply to the brainstem. Doctors said the condition could have quickly led to a severe or fatal stroke if not treated urgently.
Given the emergency, the medical team opted for an endovascular procedure. Specialists successfully cleared the blockage and placed a stent through the blood vessel, avoiding the need for open surgery. The procedure restored normal blood flow to the brain.
Following the intervention, the patient was shifted to the intensive care unit for close observation. Doctors reported that he has shown good recovery with only mild residual weakness, and his improving hand movement has been a positive sign.
Medical experts stressed that stroke treatment is extremely time-sensitive, and early identification of symptoms along with rapid transfer to specialised centres can significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes.
They added that coordinated teamwork and timely intervention were key factors in saving the patient’s life and preventing long-term disability.
