Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet Performs Limb-Saving Endovascular Procedure on a 93-Year-Old Woman with Acute Limb Ischemia
Chennai, November 27th 2025: Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet successfully treated a 93-year-old woman suffering from Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI), a life-threatening condition caused by a sudden drop in blood supply to a limb. The woman, who arrived at the Emergency Department with severe pain and a rapidly darkening toe, underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) , a minimally invasive, limb-saving procedure rarely performed at such an advanced age.
The elderly woman had been experiencing pain in her right leg while walking, which she neglected initially. Her condition escalated when the pain became unbearable and the great toe began turning blue. Examination revealed absent pulses in the right leg and early signs of gangrene. CT imaging confirmed a critical blockage in the artery supplying her leg.
Given her age, frailty, and multiple comorbidities, open surgery carried high risk. The vascular team opted for CDT, where strong clot-dissolving medication is delivered directly into the blockage through a specialized catheter inserted into the artery under local anesthesia. This targeted approach helps dissolve the clot faster and more completely. Once the clot was cleared, the underlying calcium-and-cholesterol plaque was treated with balloon angioplasty to restore stable blood flow.
Following the procedure, the patient experienced immediate relief, her toe regained colour, her pain subsided, and she was able to walk the next day. She had no surgical wounds and required no dressing care. She made a full recovery and was discharged on the third day.
Speaking about the condition, the hospital noted that ALI is a medical emergency. If treatment is delayed beyond six hours, patients can develop irreversible tissue damage, gangrene, and even risk loss of limb or life. While some cases require open surgery, modern endovascular options like CDT allow selected patients, especially the elderly or those unfit for major surgery—to be treated through minimally invasive means.
Prof Dr. Sekar, Chief Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, who led the procedure, said, “Performing CDT in a 93-year-old is uncommon because of the risk of bleeding. We chose a reduced-drug protocol with close ICU monitoring to strike a balance between safety and effectiveness. Without timely intervention, she would have faced major amputation. This case shows how carefully selected, minimally invasive therapy can offer remarkable outcomes even in very elderly patients.”
Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “This case highlights the value of advanced vascular care supported by strong clinical judgement. Treating a patient of this age for a critical limb condition through a minimally invasive method reflects our team’s focus on practical, evidence-based treatment pathways. We are glad to see her regain mobility and return home safely.”
