Health

Manipal Hospital Goa Performs West Zone’s First Made-in-India Starbeam-Guided Complex Angioplasty


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Goa: Manipal Hospital Goa has successfully performed an imaging-guided complex angioplasty on a 79-year-old male patient with critical blockages of nearly 95 per cent in two major coronary arteries. The procedure was conducted in the Cathlab using the Starbeam OCT imaging technique — the first Made-in-India intravascular imaging catheter — marking its inaugural use in the West Zone.


The advanced imaging technology enabled doctors to obtain highly detailed visualisation of the inside of the coronary arteries. This allowed for precise assessment of artery anatomy, including the extent of calcification and fibrosis within the vessel lining. The enhanced clarity helped guide accurate stent sizing and optimal placement, reducing the risk of recurrent major adverse cardiac events and improving long-term patient outcomes.

The angioplasty utilised the Made-in-India OCT and IVUS dual imaging intracoronary catheter system developed by Meril under the Starbeam platform. The procedure represents a significant milestone for the hospital’s cardiology department and underscores the growing role of indigenous medical innovation in complex cardiac interventions.

Speaking about the procedure, Dr. Nikhil Sontakke, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital Goa, said that imaging inside the artery plays a critical role in complex cases. He noted that the Starbeam technology enabled detailed understanding of the severity and nature of the blockages, facilitating precise stent placement and safer treatment.

Hospital Director Surendra Prasad stated that the achievement reflects the institution’s commitment to introducing advanced and indigenous medical technologies for patients in the region. He described the successful procedure as a proud moment for the cardiology team and a reinforcement of the hospital’s focus on delivering high-quality cardiac care.

The landmark intervention adds to the hospital’s growing portfolio of advanced cardiac procedures and highlights its continued emphasis on innovation and excellence in heart care.

Health

Manipal Hospital Goa Launches ‘mahi’ — A Next-Generation Preventive Health & Wellness Platform


Panaji, Goa — Manipal Hospital Goa, part of the Manipal Hospitals Group, has officially launched mahi (Manipal Hospitals Healthy India), a next-generation preventive health and wellness platform aimed at making proactive healthcare simple, accessible, and personalised.

The platform was formally launched by Dr. Maya Pai Dhungat, Consultant Internal Medicine Physician at Manipal Hospitals, Panaji, in the presence of senior leadership including Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director; Mrs. Gauri Naik, Marketing Manager; Dr. Sheren Bhat, Medical Superintendent; Dr. Pratima Bahadoria, Operations Manager; Mr. Subhash Nayak, Engineering & Maintenance Manager; Delina Figueiredo, Human Resource Manager; Anita T, Nursing Superintendent; Jince Jose, Finance Manager; along with hospital staff and patients.

The launch comes at a time when India’s preventive healthcare market is rapidly expanding, driven by growing health awareness, post-pandemic behavioural shifts, and the increasing burden of chronic diseases affecting millions. The initiative reflects a strong focus on early detection, regular monitoring, and proactive wellness practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, highlighted that preventive healthcare plays a crucial role in long-term well-being, enabling individuals to make informed health decisions and reduce the impact of chronic illnesses through early diagnosis.

Designed as a personalised wellness companion, mahi supports users throughout their health journey — from screenings and consultations to vaccinations and ongoing wellness guidance. The platform introduces profile-based health check packages tailored for Teens, Men, Women, Seniors, and Super Seniors, ensuring relevance across different life stages.

mahi integrates multiple services into a connected preventive healthcare ecosystem, including:

mahi check — curated screening packages
mahi doc — round-the-clock doctor consultations
mahi shots — adult and preventive vaccinations

Accessible via digital platforms such as the website and mobile app, as well as assisted hospital and community touchpoints, mahi aims to simplify healthcare engagement for individuals and families.

With its blend of digital convenience, customised health offerings, and clinical expertise, Manipal Hospital Goa positions mahi as a positive lifestyle choice — encouraging people to adopt preventive healthcare as a consistent habit rather than a reactive response.

Business

Union Budget 2026–27: Boost for Regional Healthcare, Big Opportunity for Goa


Welcoming the Union Budget 2026–27, Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Goa, has termed the government’s proposal to establish five regional medical hubs across the country as a transformative step for India’s healthcare ecosystem.

He said the creation of integrated medical hubs—bringing together advanced hospitals, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and wellness facilities—will help decentralise quality healthcare services and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for specialised treatment.

“This approach ensures that patients receive timely, accessible, and high-quality care closer to home. Strengthening regional healthcare capacity is critical to improving overall health outcomes and reducing pressure on metropolitan hospitals,” Prasad stated.

Highlighting the Goa perspective, he noted that the announcement presents a significant opportunity for the state. “Goa already enjoys a strong reputation in tourism and wellness. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure through regional medical hubs can position Goa as a preferred destination for medical and wellness tourism, benefiting both residents and visitors,” he added.

Prasad also welcomed the Budget’s emphasis on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models and national insurance coverage, stating that these measures will accelerate infrastructure development while ensuring affordability and accessibility.

“The focus on collaboration between the public and private sectors, combined with expanded insurance coverage, brings us closer to achieving equitable, timely, and quality healthcare for all,” he concluded.

Health

Manipal Hospital Goa Unveils VELYS Robotic System, Revolutionising Knee Replacement Surgery in the State


Goa, July 29, 2025 – In a landmark event for the state’s healthcare sector, Manipal Hospital Goa officially unveiled the Depuy VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, a cutting-edge innovation by Johnson & Johnson, aimed at revolutionising knee replacement procedures through precision and personalisation.

Held at the hospital premises, the launch event was graced by key dignitaries including Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director; Dr. Rohan R Desai, Consultant – Hip & Knee Replacement Surgeon; and Dr. Shereen Hasan Bhat, Medical Superintendent, alongside respected members of the medical fraternity.

Revolutionising Knee Replacement with VELYS

The VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution is among the world’s most advanced tools for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and partial knee replacement. Unlike traditional systems, it integrates real-time intraoperative data to guide surgeons with pinpoint accuracy—helping ensure optimal implant placement and alignment.

Compact, easy to use, and seamlessly integrated into operating rooms, VELYS is designed to work in conjunction with the ATTUNE® Knee System. This collaboration enables outcomes with near 100% precision, offering:

  • Less post-operative pain
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster recovery times
  • Quicker return to mobility

Leadership Voices the Vision

“Goa deserves access to the best in healthcare,” said Mr. Surendra Prasad. “The VELYS system equips our surgeons with unmatched accuracy and reinforces our commitment to advanced patient care.”

The launch included a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by the grand unveiling of the robotic system. Dr. Rohan R Desai gave an insightful walkthrough of VELYS’s capabilities, underscoring how the technology personalises surgery by adapting to each patient’s unique anatomy and movement patterns.

“With VELYS, we can now deliver tailor-made solutions for every knee,” Dr. Desai added. “It’s a game-changer for patients suffering from degenerative joint diseases.”

The event concluded with a Q&A session and a vote of thanks by Dr. Shereen Hasan Bhat, emphasizing the hospital’s continued dedication to innovation and excellence.

A Technological Leap for Goa’s Healthcare Landscape

With this strategic addition, Manipal Hospital Goa cements its position as a front-runner in high-tech orthopaedic care. It reinforces Goa’s emerging status as a regional healthcare hub, where local and international patients alike can access world-class treatment.

Health

Manipal Hospital Goa Performs Groundbreaking Neurosurgical Procedure to Save 50-Year-Old Woman from Fatal Brain Abscess


First-of-its-kind brain intervention in the state sets new benchmark in neurocritical care

Panaji, Goa | June 19, 2025 – In a milestone achievement for Goa’s medical community, Manipal Hospital Goa has successfully performed a life-saving neurosurgical intervention on a 50-year-old woman suffering from a ruptured brain abscess — a condition that is nearly always fatal without immediate and innovative intervention.

Using a first-of-its-kind neurosurgical protocol in the state, the hospital’s expert team not only stabilized the patient but also enabled her to make a complete neurological recovery, underscoring the power of medical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.


🚨 A Critical Diagnosis: A Race Against Time

The patient, referred to as Kriti (name changed for privacy), was rushed to Manipal Hospital in a rapidly deteriorating state — high-grade fever, altered consciousness, severe headache, and limb weakness. MRI scans confirmed a deep abscess in the left hemisphere of her brain that had ruptured into the ventricles, the fluid-filled cavities responsible for circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

“Once an abscess ruptures into the ventricles, survival becomes extremely rare,” said Dr. Parul Dubey, Consultant Neurologist. “We had to act swiftly, think differently, and work as one.”


🛠️ The Game-Changer: A Bold Neurosurgical Strategy

Standard surgical approaches were deemed too risky due to the depth and complexity of the infection. In an unprecedented move, the team led by Dr. Omkar Churi, Consultant Neurosurgeon, implemented a novel use of the External Ventricular Drain (EVD) — typically used to relieve pressure in the brain.

This time, the EVD became a precision drug delivery system, allowing the team to administer antibiotics directly into the brain’s ventricles.

“We used the EVD not just for pressure relief, but to transform it into a conduit for direct, localised antibiotic therapy — a calculated risk, and it paid off,” explained Dr. Churi.


💉 Targeted Treatment, Full Recovery

Over the next two weeks:

  • Targeted antibiotics were delivered directly into the brain via the EVD.
  • Daily saline washes were performed to flush out infection.
  • A four-week course of intravenous antibiotics accompanied the localized therapy.

Extreme sterile precautions were taken to prevent secondary infections. Follow-up MRIs showed complete resolution of the brain abscess, reduced swelling, and normalization of intracranial pressure.

Kriti made a full cognitive and physical recovery, regaining mobility and mental clarity. She was discharged in stable condition and has since resumed her daily activities.


🧬 A Turning Point for Neurosurgery in Goa

“This is not just a win for one patient. It’s a leap forward for neurosurgical innovation in Goa,” said Dr. Parul Dubey. “This case exemplifies how interdisciplinary teamwork and innovation can save lives even in the most high-risk scenarios.”

The effort was a multidisciplinary success, involving:

  • Dr. Parul Dubey – Consultant Neurologist
  • Dr. Omkar Churi – Consultant Neurosurgeon
  • Dr. Milind Naik – Intensivist
  • Dr. Marzook – Microbiologist

Their work represents a significant advancement in neurocritical care and offers a blueprint for similar interventions in resource-limited settings.


📚 About Brain Abscesses and Ventricular Rupture

Brain abscesses are rare but serious infections, often resulting from bacteria or fungi entering the brain via the bloodstream. When they rupture into the brain’s ventricular system:

  • They increase intracranial pressure
  • Disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cause rapid neurological deterioration
  • And significantly raise the risk of mortality

Manipal Hospital’s approach illustrates how minimally invasive, precision-based medicine can defy odds and redefine standards of care.


🏥 About Manipal Hospital Goa

Manipal Hospital Goa is a leading tertiary care facility in the region, offering state-of-the-art services in neurology, neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and more. Known for medical excellence and compassionate care, the hospital continues to push boundaries in patient-centric treatment and clinical innovation.