SIMS Hospitals Celebrates "World Aortic Dissection Awareness Day" | Honours Brave Patients

• SIMS Hospital performed over 800 life saving aortic aneurysm surgeries, including Marfan Syndrome patients with genetically weak aortas

Chennai, 19th   September 2024 – The Institute of Cardiac and Aortic Disorders at SIMS Hospital has successfully performed more than 800 complex surgeries on aortic aneurysm patients, including Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition that weakens the aorta and increases the risk of life-threatening aortic aneurysms and dissections. The hospital’s expertise in handling such high-risk cases has given a new lease on life to numerous individuals, making it a leader in this field.

On the occasion of World Aortic Dissection Awareness Day, 10 patients, including families where multiple members were affected, shared their experiences. Among them were a mother and her two sons, as well as a brother and sister, all of whom had undergone successful surgeries. Marfan syndrome, a hereditary disorder affecting 1 in 3,000 to 5,000 people, is often associated with tall stature, long limbs, and a predisposition to serious aortic complications. Marfan syndrome affects approximately 200,000 people in the United States. Given that India’s population is roughly three times that of the U.S., it would be reasonable to estimate that at least 600,000 people in India could be living with this condition. This highlights the critical need for increased diagnosis and awareness in India to ensure that those affected receive timely treatment.

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Aortic aneurysms, where the body’s largest artery swells or bulges, are especially dangerous for those with Marfansyndrome, who are often younger than the typical patient. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal. The team at SIMS Hospital has excelled in managing these cases, bringing hope to countless families.

A 48-year-old mother who, along with her two sons, underwent surgery at SIMS shared, “Living with Marfansyndrome was always challenging, but we never knew the extent of the danger. Discovering that each of us had aortic aneurysms was terrifying, but the care at SIMS saved our lives, providing not only excellent treatment but emotional support as well.”

Dr. V. V. Bashi, Director and Senior Consultant at the Institute of Cardiac and Aortic Diseases, who has performed over 2000 aortic surgeries, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and specialised care. He said, “International guidelines for aortic surgery recognise AORTA as an organ for the first time. One cannot overstate the devastating impact of aortic diseases on patients and their families. The success of surgeries at SIMS Hospital highlights the crucial need for specialised care and early diagnosis. By raising awareness about aortic dissection and its risk factors, we can work together to prevent this life-threatening conditionand improve patient outcomes. Aortic aneurysms are extremely dangerous and require the highest standard of care. Our team of highly skilled surgeons is dedicated to providing that care, especially for those with genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome.”.

Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SRM Group stated, “The commitment and remarkable expertise of the specialists at the Institute of Cardiac and Aortic Disorders are evidenced by the 800 successful aortic surgeries, including Marfan syndrome patients, at SIMS Hospital. These complex procedures demonstrate our commitment to providing exceptional care for individuals with rare and challenging medical conditions. Countless individuals affected by Marfan syndrome are in our prayers; we hope these outcomes will provide them hope and a new lease of life.”.

The surgeries performed on these patients underscore the critical importance of diagnosing and treating aortic aneurysms at an early stage. By identifying the condition and addressing its genetic causes promptly, medical professionals can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the success of these procedures at SIMS Hospital highlights the need to raise awareness about Marfansyndrome and its associated health risks. While the aorta is the primary organ affected, Marfan syndrome can also lead to complications in the eyes, spine, joints, and heart valves. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, individuals with Marfansyndrome can live longer and healthier lives.

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