In a landmark achievement for regional healthcare, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) successfully performed a complex mechanical thrombectomy using the Rotarex Atherothrombectomy System.
This marks the first time this sophisticated technology has been deployed in Tamil Nadu outside of the state capital, offering patients a safer, faster alternative to traditional clot-dissolving treatments.
A middle-aged male arrived at KMCH suffering from ten days of debilitating pain in his right leg. Imaging revealed a critical arterial blockage caused by a blood clot that had traveled from his heart into his leg. Without immediate intervention, the patient faced the very real threat of limb loss, said a press release from KMCH.
“Traditional treatments for such blockages typically involve Thrombolysis, which requires long infusions of potent “clot-busting” drugs. While effective, these medications carry significant risks like internal bleeding. In severe cases, they can lead to intracranial hemorrhage, resulting in a major stroke.
By contrast, the Rotarex system allows the surgical team to mechanically fragment and vacuum away the clot simultaneously. This “No-Lytic” approach eliminates the need for aggressive systemic lytics, drastically reducing the risk of systemic bleeding, noted in the press release.
Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Nalla G. Palaniswami, Chairman and Managing Director, KMCH said, “We are immensely proud of our Interventional Radiology team for achieving this milestone.
Our vision has always been to bring the world’s most advanced medical modalities to India. By investing in the Rotarex and Jetstream systems, we are ensuring that our patients no longer need to travel to Tier-1 cities for life-saving, minimally invasive vascular care.”
The procedure was led by Dr. Mathew Cherian, Head of Interventional Radiology, KMCH supported by Senior Interventional Radiologists Dr. Pankaj Mehta and Dr. Santhosh P., KMCH.
Dr. Arun Palaniswami, Executive Director, KMCH, remarked that “This success is a testament to KMCH’s commitment to patient safety and clinical innovation. Seeing a patient return to full mobility within 24 hours of a major arterial crisis is the reason why we continue to push the boundaries of medical technology. Congratulations to Dr. Mathew Cherian and his team for setting a new benchmark for excellence in the region.”
The results were immediate and transformative. The clot was fully cleared, restoring immediate blood flow. The patient experienced instant symptom relief. Remarkably, the patient was walking and resumed normal activities just one day after the procedure.
KMCH is now uniquely equipped to handle the full spectrum of arterial issues. While the Rotarex system excels at clearing soft clots and plaques, the hospital also recently performed the region’s first Jetstream Atherectomy to tackle heavily calcified, “hard” blockages and blocked stents. These complementary technologies allow for the opening of rigid obstructions without always needing permanent stents.
