Coronary Artery Fistula Treatment in India

Sai Saxena, a 58-year-old former software...

Sai Saxena, a 58-year-old former software engineer from Bangalore, had always been active, but over the past year, he noticed a gradual decline. He experienced persistent fatigue and a strange, continuous 'whooshing' sensation in his chest that was more pronounced when he lay down. Initially, he attributed it to stress from his recent early retirement. However, during a routine check-up, his primary physician heard a loud, continuous murmur. A subsequent echocardiogram and cardiac CT scan revealed a moderate-sized coronary artery fistula, an abnormal connection between a coronary artery and a heart chamber, that was stealing blood flow from his heart muscle. His cardiologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that while the fistula was likely congenital, it had enlarged over time and was now causing a 'steal phenomenon,' leading to his symptoms and posing a risk for future complications like heart failure or infection. Dr. Mehta recommended a minimally invasive transcatheter closure to plug the abnormal connection. During the procedure, under local anesthesia, Sai felt pressure but no pain as the catheter was threaded through his groin. The interventional cardiologist successfully deployed a small occluder device to seal the fistula. Post-procedure, Sai spent one night in the hospital for observation. Within weeks, the 'whooshing' sensation was gone, and his energy levels began to rebound significantly. Emotionally, Sai had felt a deep anxiety about having a 'flaw' in his heart and feared his active life was over. After the successful, low-risk procedure, he felt immense relief and a renewed sense of vitality, eagerly planning hiking trips he thought he'd had to abandon.