Tag: Medical Innovation

Health

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

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

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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.