Kolkata: In a powerful story of courage and timely
medical intervention, doctors at Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, one of the units
of Manipal Hospitals Group, led by Dr. Parijat Deb Choudhury, Consultant –
Interventional Cardiologist, performed a rare life-saving pacemaker
implantation on 16-year-old Akash Dey from Cooch Behar, an uncommon
procedure for someone his age. What makes this case truly remarkable is that
within just days of the surgery, the son of a farmer regained his strength and
went on to appear for his Madhyamik examinations.
Akash, a resident of Kholta village, had
been experiencing persistent fatigue, dizziness, breathlessness and frequent
near-fainting episodes, symptoms that gradually began to disrupt both his daily
life and his studies at a crucial academic stage. As his condition worsened,
his family grew increasingly worried and brought him to Manipal Hospital
Mukundapur for advanced medical care. At a time when the family was deeply
concerned about the cost of treatment, the hospital ensured that Akash received
the best possible care without delay. The procedure was successfully carried
out under the Swasthya Sathi scheme of the Government of West Bengal,
enabling access to timely, high-quality treatment during a critical phase.
Following a detailed clinical evaluation, Dr.
Choudhury diagnosed him with complete heart block, a serious condition
in which the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat are disrupted,
causing the heart to beat dangerously slow. If left untreated, it can reduce
blood flow to vital organs and become life-threatening. To address this, she
performed a permanent pacemaker implantation, placing a small device to
regulate and maintain a steady heart rhythm. While pacemaker procedures are
commonly performed in elderly patients, they are extremely rare in teenagers. Globally,
less than 1% of pacemaker recipients are under the age of 18, making
Akash’s case particularly unique.
Demonstrating incredible resilience, Akash
responded well to the treatment and showed steady recovery within just four
days. Soon after, he was able to sit for his Madhyamik exams, turning what
could have been a major setback into a moment of triumph.
Akash Dey, hailing from a modest family where his father is the
sole breadwinner, shared, “Before the surgery, I used to feel very weak and
dizzy all the time. I was scared that I might miss my exams. But after the
treatment, I started feeling better quickly. I am thankful to Dr. Parijat Deb
Choudhury and entire team of Manipal Hospital Mukundapur for helping me recover
so fast and making it possible for me to appear for my Madhyamik exams.”
Speaking about the case, Dr. Parijat Deb
Choudhury, Consultant – Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital
Mukundapur, said, “Complete heart block is a serious and potentially
life-threatening condition where the heart’s electrical system fails to
function properly, leading to a dangerously slow heart rate. While it is more
commonly seen in elderly patients, its occurrence in a 16-year-old makes this
case particularly rare and challenging. In young patients, symptoms like
persistent fatigue, dizziness, or fainting are often overlooked, which can
delay diagnosis. In Akash’s case, timely evaluation and intervention were
critical. The pacemaker implantation helped restore a stable and adequate heart
rhythm, significantly improving blood circulation and overall energy levels. What
stands out in this case is not only the success of the surgery, but also the
patient’s strong spirit. He recovered in a short time and managed to appear for
his exams within days, reflecting both the effectiveness of the treatment and
his determination. With regular follow-ups, he is expected to live a normal and
active life.”
Now recovering well, Akash is expected to
lead a normal life with regular follow-ups. His journey stands as a testament
to the importance of early diagnosis, access to advanced healthcare, and the
determination to overcome life’s toughest challenges.