The next gen is looking at the world by standing on the shoulders of the elderly. The experience and mere presence of an older family member are invaluable to any family.
Like any other natural phenomenon, the bodies of the elderly are prone to wear and tear. These age-related problems can arise suddenly, like a bolt from the blue.
One such case involved a lovely, elderly gentleman who came to us with vague complaints of dizziness.
An immediate ECG was performed and revealed complete heart block, with a complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity resulting in a dangerously slow heart rate. Recognizing the urgency of the condition, our team promptly stabilized the patient and proceeded with the implantation of a leadless pacemaker. The procedure was completed successfully, and the patient experienced rapid improvement in symptoms, with restoration of an adequate heart rate and stable cardiac rhythm. Leadless pacemakers eliminate the need for transvenous leads and a surgical pocket, thereby reducing the risk of lead-related complications and infections, and improving patient comfort.
During evaluation with an angiogram, we found that he had another problem as well, which was a critical blockage in the heart’s arteries. He underwent stenting of the blocked blood vessels, with an angioplasty. Thus, without any surgeries, the patient underwent two procedures to get his life back on track.
Performing two procedures in an elderly individual is challenging. Nevertheless, the gentleman left the hospital better than before. We thank the patient and his sons abroad for their trust in the doctors and their understanding of the science and solutions for the diseases. Thanks to innovations in medical science, the gentleman received successful treatment without needing even a single incision.
Dr. Deep Chandh Raja. S,
Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead – Cardiac Electrophysiology,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
Happy Doctors’ Day!
Your Dedication Gave Me Hope, Your Care Changed My Life.
A Routine Checkup That Saved My Father’s Life
There are moments in life that divide time into two chapters: before and after. For our family, one such moment occurred last year when what was supposed to be a routine medical checkup for my father unexpectedly turned into a life-saving intervention.
My father has always been the pillar of our family. At 77 years old, he remained active, independent, and deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Like many people of his generation, he rarely complained about his health and carried on with life with remarkable resilience. When he scheduled a routine medical evaluation before an international trip, none of us imagined that the visit would uncover a serious underlying cardiac condition.
The appointment began like any other. We expected the doctors to confirm that everything looked good and to send him on his way. Instead, a series of tests revealed findings that concerned the medical team. What followed was a whirlwind of consultations, additional investigations, and difficult conversations.
As the results came in, the reality of the situation became clear. My father was suffering from significant heart disease, including a critical blockage in a major coronary artery. The diagnosis came as a complete shock to our family. We had walked into the hospital expecting reassurance and left facing decisions that could determine the course of his future.
One of the most difficult aspects of that experience was the uncertainty. As family members, we suddenly found ourselves navigating complex medical terminology, treatment options, and risks that only days earlier had never crossed our minds. Every conversation seemed to raise new questions. Would he need surgery? How urgent was the situation? What were the chances of a successful recovery? How much time did we have to make decisions?
During those anxious hours, what made the greatest difference was the extraordinary care and professionalism demonstrated by the medical team. The physicians never rushed our questions. They took the time to explain every test result, every recommendation, and every possible outcome. They understood that while they were treating a patient, they were also caring for a family struggling to process unexpected news.
What impressed us the most was the balance between clinical expertise and compassion. The doctors were calm, confident, and methodical in their approach. They carefully evaluated the situation, consulted with colleagues when necessary, and developed a treatment plan that was tailored to my father’s condition. At every step, they made us feel informed and involved.
The nursing staff were equally remarkable. Long before any procedure was performed, they provided comfort and reassurance during moments of uncertainty. They monitored my father closely, answered questions patiently, and treated him with dignity and kindness. Their professionalism transformed a frightening experience into one that felt manageable and hopeful.
After extensive evaluation, the medical team recommended an intervention to restore blood flow and address the critical blockage. Like any family facing a cardiac procedure, we were nervous. Waiting outside while a loved one is being treated is one of the most helpless feelings imaginable. The hours seemed endless.
Fortunately, the procedure was successful.
The relief we felt when the doctors informed us that everything had gone well is difficult to put into words. The same hospital that had delivered life-changing news only days earlier was now giving us something even more valuable: hope.
The days that followed were filled with gratitude. We watched my father recover steadily under the supervision of an exceptional team of healthcare professionals. Each day brought visible improvement. His strength returned, his confidence grew, and our family began to breathe easier. What could have become a devastating medical emergency had instead become a story of early detection, timely intervention, and outstanding medical care.
Looking back, one lesson stands out above all others: routine healthcare saves lives. Had my father postponed his appointment or ignored the warning signs that were discovered during testing, the outcome could have been very different. The expertise of the medical team, combined with timely diagnosis and treatment, changed the trajectory of his life.
Today, my father continues to enjoy precious time with his family. He spends time with his grandchildren, shares stories from his life experiences, and remains a source of wisdom and strength for all of us. Every family gathering, every conversation, and every shared milestone carries a deeper meaning because we understand how close we came to a different outcome.
On Doctors’ Day, our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff who cared for my father during one of the most challenging periods of our lives. Their dedication extends far beyond medicine. They provide comfort in moments of fear, clarity in moments of confusion, and hope when families need it most.
Healthcare professionals often move from one patient to the next without fully realizing the lasting impact they have on the lives they touch. Yet, their work creates ripple effects that extend far beyond hospital walls. Because of their skill and commitment, families remain whole, milestones are celebrated, and precious memories continue to be created.
For our family, the hospital was not simply a place where a medical procedure was performed. It was a place where a life was saved, where compassion met expertise, and where we were given the invaluable gift of more time with someone we love deeply.
As we celebrate Doctors’ Day, we honour all those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Thank you for your knowledge, your sacrifice, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to your patients. Our family will always remain grateful for the care that transformed a routine checkup into a second chance at life.
