The second opinion that gave him hope

Yameneeswari1*, Sharanya. R. K2

1Nursing Supervisor, Cath Lab, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

2Staff Nurse, Cath Lab, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

*Correspondence

Mr. S, 82, never missed his evening walk at Vedhantha Senior Citizen Home, Poonamallee. Until 2 weeks ago.

Chest pain started with just 10 steps. Giddiness followed. “This is age,” he told himself. But age doesn’t cause fear, his daughter thought. She took him to another hospital.

The angiogram report came with heavy words: “Severe block in Left Main artery. Heavily calcified. Needs CABG – bypass surgery.”

At 82, with diabetes and BP for years, the word “surgery” scared him more than the chest pain. “Open heart? Will I come back walking?” he asked his family. The family had no answers.

That’s when they came to Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, for a second opinion. Not for a different report. For a different hope.

Our cardiologist sat with Mr. S and his family. He explained the report calmly: Yes, the block is severe. Yes, it’s calcified. But no, surgery is not the only path.

“There is another way,” the doctor said. “We can open the block through the wrist or leg using stents. But because your block is in the main artery and very calcified, we will use 3 safety technologies together”

Then he explained each one simply:

1.Impella – “A small helper motor for your heart. While we work on your artery, it will pump blood so your heart doesn’t get tired. Like someone holding your hand while crossing a busy road.”

2.OCT – “A tiny camera we put inside the artery. It gives us a Google Maps view of the block so we place the stent in the exact right spot and size. No guessing.”

3.IVL – Shockwave – “Sound waves that gently break the hard calcium inside the artery. Once the calcium is soft, the stent can open fully. Like breaking stones before laying a new road.”

”For the first time in weeks, Mr. S saw hope instead of fear.” If my heart will have a helper, a map, and stone-breaker, then I am ready, he said.

On 21st May 2026, he agreed. The cath lab team did a PTCA with Impella support. While the Impella protected his heart, the team used camera-guided technology and sound waves to break the calcium and place a stent from Left Main to LAD.

No open surgery. No big cut.

On 23rd May 2026, he was discharged. BP 130/60, oxygen 98% on room air, fully conscious. He walked out of the hospital on his own feet.

Today, he’s back to his evening walks. Slower now, but without fear.

When asked what made the difference, Mr. S smiled: “The first hospital gave me a diagnosis. Kauvery gave me an option. And options give hope.

”The Lesson for Every Family:

1.Second opinion is not doubt. It is care. If surgery is suggested, especially in elderly, ask: “Is there a catheter-based option?”

2.Technology changes fear. Impella, OCT, IVL – these are tools that make complex heart procedures safer today than 10 years ago.

3.Listen to your body. Chest pain on walking + giddiness is not “normal age”. It’s your heart asking for help.

Age didn’t stop Mr. S. Fear didn’t stop him either. The right information at the right time gave him his walk back.

Shared with patient consent. Details changed to protect privacy.

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