CMC Ldh:Greets her doctors on doctors day

Mon, Jul 1, 2013 at 2:41 PM
Cherubic Angel with Heart Disease from the valley

A happy baby Rakina (in black kurta) with the Director of CMC – Dr Abraham G Thomas and Dr HS Bedi wishing them a Happy Doctors Day

Ludhiana, 01 July, 2013:(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria): The lovely angelic child – Baby Rakina – aged 2 years – daughter of Mr Mohd Hanif and Mrs Noorbano of Srinagar – had a major heart surgery at the Christian Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana. She was discharged in a healthy condition and was doing well. Today – on Doctors Day – 1st July 2013 – she and her parents decided to come specially and thank all her treating doctors on Doctors Day. She brought special sweets for all the staff from the valley.

Mohd Hani and Noorbano thanked the CMC & H Institute and all its doctors who took such good care of their baby.  It may be mentioned here that Rakina had a major heart defect (large hole in the heart) which was damaging her heart and lungs. Rakina was not growing according to their age and would get recurrent infections. She would land up in the emergency room of the hospital in J & K time and again. The parents were told that Rakina needed an early heart surgery. However Mohd Hanif – a labourer was unable to collect the money required. He was then were referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardiac Surgery at the CMC and H Ludhiana. On investigation it was realized that only a major open heart surgery could save Rakina as her heart was close to its terminal condition. Dr Bedi who has had advanced training in the treatment of such cases at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Australia said that if untreated the lungs of such children get damaged beyond repair . In co-ordination with the Director–Dr Abraham G Thomas and Dr Jugesh Chattwal Prof and Head Paediatrics – it was decided to perform the high risk case under the Gift of Life scheme funded by the CMC Alumni USA and the UMSF USA. A major heart surgery was done wherein Rakina’s body was placed on a heart lung machine, the heart stopped and put on ice and the hole in the heart repaired .By Gods grace – Rakina’s heart recovered immediately. The other members of the team during the marathon surgery were Dr S Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Allen, Dr Anish, Dr  JaiPrakash, Dr Aradhana, Dr Shipra, Dr Neethu, Dr Amritha, Dr Pearl and Dr Rakhi. The delicate control of the heart lung machine was done by Mr William and Mr Jairus.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC said that on Doctors Day the Faculty & Heart Team of CMC & H rededicates itself to  look after patients  with the humility , selflessness and compassion for which CMC is so well known . Dr Bedi told that it was very gratifying when such patients do well with major open heart surgery. The smiling face of the patient and her family is the greatest satisfaction for any doctor. Dr Bedi said that the greatest compliment he has received so far was when Noorbano said that the Heart Team took care of Rakina with motherly love.

Rare Laparoscopic Surgery Performed at CMC

Wed, Mar 6, 2013 at 11:59 AM 
A 3 year old Girl Child was suffering from pain

Ludhiana, 6th March, 2013:(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):A 3 year old girl child, daughter of a labourer was suffering, with continuous pain in the lower abdomen and urinary infection for past threemonths. She was referred tothe Department of Paediatric Surgery CMC and Hospital Ludhiana for further management. Investigations revealed that there was a 2.5 cms. long and 1.5 cms. thick,stone which was completely  obstructing the flow of urine from left kidney to urinary bladder and causing urinary infection and abdominal pain. Since there was no free flow of urine from kidney, there wasswelling and deterioration of kidney function with continuous abdominal pain.

Dr William Bhatti Professor &Head, Department of Paediatric Surgery and his teamdoctors, Dr N Bedi, Dr A Gupta and Dr S Dhuria, successfully performed laparoscopic removal of stone from the ureter. Theparents are happy as their daughter does not have a big operative scar on her abdomen and she ispain free because of the laparoscopic surgery. This type of operation, where the impacted stone at lower ureterovesical junction in a 3 year old child,was removed by laparoscopic operationis the first to be performed in India. So far this type of surgery has been done by open procedures which results in long scar marks and prolongedhospital stay. In laparoscopic surgery,the child will have 2-3 tiny scars of 5mm on their abdomen, with  less pain and shorter hospital stay as compared to open surgeries.

Dr William Bhatti further mentioned that presence of stones in urinary system is a common problem in children and it can be managed safely with laparoscopic operations. Parents should not ignore if their child complains of continuous abdominal pain and paediatric surgeons should be consulted immediately to prevent further complications.

National Stroke Conference Concludes in Ldh

300 delegates attended the event

Dr. Monika Singla explaining secrets to prevent stroke at Ludhiana (Photo by Rector  Kathuria)

Ludhiana, 3rd March, 2013: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)The 8th National Conference of Indian Stroke Association organised by the department of Neurology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana concluded today. There were 300 delegates who attended the conference from all over India including 18 International faculty members. Delegates also attended from the SAARC countries like Bangladesh. Yesterday there was a banquet for the delegates at the The Grand Pearl Resort. Mr RandhirKanwal the famous Ghazal singer entertained the guests. The medical students also displayed their artistic talent with a Bhangra dance.

Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology at CMC Ludhiana, the organising Secretary mentioned that all the major advances in stroke diagnosis and treatments were discussed in the conference. On the last day a special session on research in stroke was held and delegates from across the world discussed about the on-going important stroke trials and projects. A Skills workshop on the use of Botulinum toxin injection in treating stiffness of arms and legs following stroke was also held on the last day.

Dr Pandian said that for the first time a separate stroke rehabilitation skills workshop was held as a parallel meeting in CMC auditorium as part of the National stroke conference. More than 150 delegates attended this workshop which was organised by Dr SantoshMathangi. One of the main highlights of the conference was the Teaching course on stroke which was held on Day 1 for MBBS students as a separate event at CMC. Medical students from three colleges in Punjab participated in this course.

Dr Pandian stated that overall the conference had a major impact on the local doctors, neurologists, neurosurgeons, undergraduate medical students, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and allied health trainees from across the country. This would improve the care and treatment of stroke patients.

Dr Sheila Das & her Team found more facts

Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 5:11 PM
3.5 – 5 % were carriers of Beta Thal Major in the general population 
Aroras , Khatris , Ramgariah Sikhs , Jains the prevalence was 4.8% - 9.1% 

Ludhiana, 16th January, 2013 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):A CME on Thalassemia Awareness & Role of Molecular Genetics sponsored by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi was conducted on the 16^th of January 2013 at the Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. The CME was attended by over 250 delegates which included Gynaecologists and Paeditricians from the Ludhiana city, including CMC Faculty.

Honorable Civil surgeon Dr.Subash Batta, was the Chief Guest, and Dr.K.Ghosh, Director, NIIH, Mumbai was the Guest of Honor, Dr.R.Colah, Dy Director, NIIH, Mumbai, Professor Vijay Obed, Dy Director, Prof.S.M.Bhatti, Pricipal, Prof. K.Masih, Medical Superintendent were also present.

The program was on generating awareness on the various aspects of Thalassemia, advancements in management and preventive strategies which included molecular diagnostics and prenatal diagnosis. The welcome address was given by Prof. Sheila Das, Principal Investigator, ICMR Thalassemia Molecular Genetics Project, Dr.K.Ghosh spoke on Why awareness of Thalassemia is necessary, Dr.R.Colah gave introduction of Molecular Genetics in Thalassemia and CVS study, Dr.Ranjeet S.Mashon, Research Scientist, ICMR Thalassemia Molecular Genetics Project gave a brief report of CMC experience in molecular genetics in Hemoglobinopathies, Ms. Geetanjali spoke on Awareness and Family sstudy in Antenatal women, Dr. Atul Goel, Assoc. Prof, Paediatrics spoke on challenges on managing a child with Thalassemia and Dr. J.John spoke on Bone Marrow Transplant in Thalassemia Children CMC experience.The CME was concluded by a vote of Thanks by Dr.Sheila Das.

It has been found by Dr Sheila Das & her Team in a previous ICMR Research Project by CMC Ludhiana that 3.5 – 5 % were carriers of Beta Thal Major in the general population while in some casts like Aroras , Khatris , Ramgariah Sikhs , Jains the prevalence was 4.8% - 9.1% and in Migrants from West Pak the prevalence was 8.3%.

All pregnant ladies during their first 3 months of Pregnancy are requested to come forward to CMC to get their blood screened for Beta Thalassemia, as this is the only center in Punjab to provide this facility as the ICMR Thalassemia Lab CMC Ludhiana is fully equipped with machines costing  Rs 75-80 lakhs sponsored by ICMR New Delhi .

Dr.Ranjeet S.Mashon may be contacted for more details at 8146560673

A CME on Thalassemia Awareness at CMC Ldh.

Dr Sheila Das and her Team found more facts

2nd International Yoga Conference

Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 11:30 AM
Indian Cardiac Surgeon Dr. H S Delivers Key Note Address

Ludhiana, 11th Jan, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria): The 2nd International Yoga Conference on Yoga for Health organised by the Patanjali Research Foundation in Haridwar.  Amongst a galaxy of International speakers from USA (Brigham’s Hospital, Boston), UK, Europe (Portugal and Germany) , China and Australia – an Indian surgeon made India proud by delivering one of the most appreciated key note lectures . Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery at the prestigious Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana , Punjab delivered his oration on ‘Yoga and Heart – Improving Cardiac Surgery Outcomes with Yoga–the Science and the Art “ . Dr Bedi is a pioneer of beating heart bypass surgery having published the first series of his technique in 2000 with publications in the major medical journals and presentations all over the world. Dr Bedi said that beating heart surgery has  made bypass a very safe and consistent procedure. However lung complications continue to slow the recovery in patients all over the world . With a view to reducing these Dr Bedi started using pranayam techniques in his patients before and after major heart surgeries . The results were dramatic and significantly much better as patients  could be removed from artificial ventilation much earlier and spent lesser time in the  ICU and hospital . The morbidity was considerably improved over patients who did not undergo yoga therapy and was much better than the best International standards. The address  was received very well and Dr Bedi got a standing ovation by the International audience . Swami Ramdev was all praise for the excellent scientific study conducted at CMC and congratulated Dr Bedi on the excellent results in his patients . The telecast was live and beamed to all countries in the world .
Dr Bedi is  one of the  few heart surgeons who has understood the importance of using traditional Indian yogic  systems to improve the  outcomes in heart disease patients . He has documented the effects of yoga on the  heart and lungs and presented his findings at various super-specialist meetings and conferences all over the world . Initially sceptical surgeons have been amazed by the results and have started using the beneficial effects in their patients  too. Dr Bedi explained that after major heart surgeries the lungs  do not function well and the patients are not able to cough out secretions resulting in low oxygen levels and pneumonia . With  the addition of simple yogic techniques by a full time yoga teacher – Mr Nirmal Singh – under medical supervision – patients are able to breathe well very soon leading to reduced infection rates and quicker recovery .
Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of Christian Medical College & Hospital – said that the CMC & H is one of the very few Institutes in the world which has encouraged the addition of yoga therapy to improve the  well being of their patients . With a strong research oriented and patient centred compassionate approach to disease treatment and prevention the CMC was committed to bring the best medical care to the people of this region.

CMC doctor gets award

 Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 1:08 PM
Received M. L. Gupta Prize in Medical Education

Ludhiana, 18th December, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):Dr. Dinesh Badyal, Professor & Head, Department of Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana  received M. L. Gupta Prize in Medical Education and Technology for recognition of substantial contribution to Medical Education and Technology with special reference to Physiology/ Pharmacology or Allied Sciences in India by Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India (APPI) for the year 2012. Mr. Shahid Manzoor, Honorable Minister of State, Government of UP presented him the award and certificate in inaugural session of the Annual Conference of Physiologists & Pharmacologists of India (APPICON 2012) held in Subharti Medical College, Meerut on 18 December, 2012. He delivered his oration on “Medical education in India: Effectiveness and relevance of faulty development programs in India”

He told that medical teachers used to teach as they were taught by their seniors and there have not been formal training programs for medical teachers. Even in other arts science teachers get formal training for teaching skills. So, there is need to train doctors to be teachers, one of their basic responsibilities in medical colleges. Dr. Badyal has been very actively working the area of medical education for more than 12 years. He is program co-director of CMCL-FAIMER regional institute, Ludhiana. This is one the 6 regional institutes of FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement in Medical Education and Research), Philadelphia, is a non-profit organization of ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates), USA. This centre provides fellowships in medical education. He is co-convener of Medical Council of India (MCI) Regional centre for Faculty Development, CMC, Ludhiana. MCI has created 15 regional institutes to train doctors working in medical colleges in teaching skill and technologies. Their centre has trained medical teachers form 20 affiliated medical colleges. These training programs for doctors in medical colleges have become very important as the new curriculum for MBBS needs the teachers to be trained in relevant areas. In CMC and other institutes they have trained a number of medical teachers. 

In his oration Dr. Badyal explained the evolution of training programs for medical teaches in India. He added that more and more doctors are being opting to get trained in faculty development as the awareness has increased and regulatory agency is making it criteria for teaching appointments. With accreditation becoming a norm, soon the trained faculty and faculty development program will be much sought after. The whole consortium of trained faculty and feedback from students and faculty is contributing to evolution of medical education in our country. 

Dr. Badyal also received Best Paper award last year in an International conference for his work in medical education. He also trained doctors in use of alternatives and simulations to replace animals in medical education. He is faculty in National and International programs in medical education.                                           CMC doctor gets award 
Dr.Dinesh Badyal may be contacted at: 9815333776

To Cure Young bravehearts of major heart disease

Rotary Int. and Army join hands with CMC Heart team

Mr Som Nath Sharma and Mrs Sharda Devi from Akhnoor (J&K), Mr Mohd

Shabir & Mrs Shamim Akhtar from Rajouri (J&K)   are extremely happy

parents today. Their children – Janu Sharma (7y) and Irfan (8y)

respectively had major heart defects with large holes in their hearts

along with defective valves. Both were not growing according to their

age and would get recurrent infections and were blue in colour . They

would land up in the emergency time and again. They are both from a

financially challenged background. They were investigated in Jammu

where the doctors advised an early major open heart surgery at an

advanced centre. Both could not afford to even travel outside J & K.

Their case was ‘adopted’ by the Army under project Sadbhawana – a

brain child of the Chief Of Army Staff – Gen Bikram Singh – and the

International Rotary India Humanity Foundation (based in Kolkata with

Mr Shekhar Mehta as the Director) which runs the Saving Little Hearts

programme. Mrs Sushmita Dasgupta with Ms Urmi Basu (sponsor) of the

Rotary took a personal interest and brought these children with their

parents to the prestigious Christian Medical College & Hospital in

Ludhiana to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardiac Surgery. On

investigation it was realized that only a major open heart surgery

could save both as medicines had no role and if untreated it could

even lead to death. The bright youngsters suffered from a congenital

heart defect called Tatralogy of Fallot - what is called a ‘Blue Baby’

disease. This is a defect from birth and basically leads to impure

blood mixing with pure blood due to a large hole in the heart combined

with small arteries to the lung.

Dr Bedi who has had advanced training in the treatment of such cases

at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Australia and is one

of the senior most practicing cardiac surgeons of India - told that

both children underwent a major  open heart surgery (total correction)

and are doing well. Dr Bedi said that their hearts are now normal and

both can now lead a normal healthy life.  In fact Janu now wants to be

a doctor while Irfan is aiming to be a fighter pilot. The children

were operated upon under the ‘CMC Gift of Life’ project where highly

subsidized International level cardiac surgical care is given to all

children.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC said that the Institute is fully

geared to take care of such children with heart defects. Dr Bedi told

that it was only because of the strong backup of Dr Jugesh Chattawl –

Prof of Paediatrics – and her team that most of the heart defects

could be safely treated in CMC. The other members of the Heart team

during the marathon surgeries were Dr A Joseph, Dr S Garg , Dr Melchi,

Dr Anish, Dr Vishal, Dr Gurleen, Dr Elizabeth, Dr Ashwin and Dr

Cynthia . The Officers of the Army took a personal interest and gave

invaluable logistic and moral help.

Pic: Master Janu and Master Irfan with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi , Dr

Jugesh Chattwal and the Heart team of CMC

For Further Details Please Contact Dr.H.S.Bedi: 9814060480

...And 20 year old got a new life

CMC Heart surgeons breathe life into hopeless case 

In a happy mood Ramandeep with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi and faculty of CTVS department of CMC & H

Ludhiana, 11th August, 2012: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):
Mr Ramandeep Singh - the 20 year old son of Mr Sohan Singh of Ludhiana   - had a massive accident while driving a scooter. A large piece of bamboo fence went through into his body from his left neck into his right chest. He was transferred to the Christian Medical College and Hospital from a local hospital. Here he was seen by Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery. Mr Ramandeep was in shock and very unstable. He had lost about 3 litres of blood in his right chest and was not able to breathe. He was taken for emergency surgery. The bleeding was found to be a torrential one which could not be adequately controlled because the right lung was solidified due to the injury and was interfering with the exposure. So a rapid decision was made to stop the lungs by putting the patient on a special heart lung machine. Dr Bedi explained that in this rarest of rare cases the only option was to stop the lungs and the only way to do this was to use a sophisticated heart lung machine which takes over the function of the lungs (the machine has a special area through which oxygen is pumped in and purifies the blood just as a normal lung would). The massive bleeder was identified as a complete transection of the origin of the subclavian artery. The torrential blood coming out of this tear was pumped back into the patient. The tear was now controlled and an imported graft used to restore continuity so that the right hand of   would be saved.
Even after the surgery the right lung continued to be non functional due to the massive trauma. So a special method of ventilation called independent lung ventilation was carried out. Here the left and right lungs were separately ventilated with 2 machines, made a slow but complete recovery.
The intricate respiratory care was done under the supervision of the cardiac anesthetists Dr S Garg and Dr Melchi. The other members of the team are Dr A Joseph, Dr Anish Verghese, Dr Pratap, Dr Meenu, Dr Ashwin, and Dr Nina. The heart lung machine was handled by Mr Jairus Wilson and Mr William Prem Sagar aided by Mr Mathew.
Dr AG Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that it was the quick thinking on the part of the surgical team which was instrumental in saving Ramandeep   . He reiterated the commitment of the CMC & H to serve the people of the community with the highest level of care and expertise.

Another achievement for CMC Stroke Unit:

Awarded Indo-USA Brain Collaborative grant 

Ludhiana, 8th August, 2012. (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)The Stroke Unit of Christian Medical College, Ludhiana has received a 1.18crores grant from the department of Biotechnology, India and National Institute of Health, USA. Dr. Jeyaraj Durai Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology is the receipient of this award. This grant money is to develop a National Stroke Registry between India and USA. Dr. Pandian is the Principal Investigator from India and Dr. Aneesh Singhal, Stroke program, Massachusetts General hospital, Boston (Harvard University) is the Principal Investigator from USA in this grant. Dr. Pandian said that this research grant will help India and USA to develop a common stroke database and do cross cultural studies. New information regarding various risk factors for stroke, clinical services for stroke and reasons for delay in treatment are some of the important parameters that will be studied in this research. The information on stroke will be collected from 4 other centers in the country besides CMC Ludhiana. They are PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS New Delhi, NIMS Hyderabad and SCTIMST Trivandrum.
Dr. Pandian stated that this research proposal was selected out of 72 grant applications. Dr. Yashpal Singh, Professor of Neurology said that this Indo-USA collaborative registry will collect data for the next 2 years and many sub-studies will be carried out once the stroke registry is established. Dr. Abraham G Thomas, Director, CMC lauded the efforts of the Neurology department in getting the grant.  

An appeal to good samaritans if Punjab

A golden chance to be the part of life savers

A Courtesy photo:     Cooperating To Meet the Health Needs of Returning Afghan Refugees 

Ludhiana, 6th August, 2012:(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) B/O Hardeep Kaur, a 13 days old term male neonate (Unit No: C7391173) was admitted at 2 hours of life on 28/7/2012 in a very serious condition with a diagnosis of server birth asphyxia, Meconium Aspiration Pneumonia and Septicemia.
He received critical care treatment was ventilated for 6 days and now is improving. His father is a daily wages laborer, earning Rupees 4000 per month. However the parents are unable to pay the entire bill and require financial assistance.
Any donations to help B/O Hardeep Kaur are welcome. Cheques in the name of “Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana” can be deposited in the medical superintendent office with the name – for B/O Hardeep Kaur, Hospital Unit No: C7391173 - written at the back of the cheque.
For further details Please Contact Dr.Gurmeet: 9216020400

CMC city center: an other proud for Ludhiana

A large number of patients benefited 

Ludhiana, 3st August, 2012:The CMC CITY CENTER was inaugurated on 01 st August last year at Sirish Hospital, Krishna Nagar, Ghumar Mandi, Ludhiana and had commenced functioning the very next day. During this one year, the CMC City Center through its Consultant Doctors has been able to provide its services to a large number of patients and citizens of Ludhiana.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vijay Obed, Dy Director, explained that CMC City Center was started in response to the many requests from the citizens of Ludhiana from this part of the city, who found it difficult to approach CMC Hospital. The number of patients attending the OPD at the City Center has been steadily increasing. Patients find it very convenient to seek consultation from CMC Consultant Doctors at the City Center.
Dr Abraham Thomas, Director, CMCH, mentioned that CMC City Center, is a major step to get our services across the city to the citizens of Ludhiana for their convenience.  He was glad that the CMC City Center was able to look after the health care needs of the citizens of Ludhiana.
Dr Sirish Chandra was pleased that CMC City Center has completed one year of service and opined that citizens of Ludhiana should take advantage of these services provided by the City Center. He mentioned that patients attending CMC City Center have been very satisfied with the CMC Consultant Doctors and the other services provided by the Center.
Dr Vijay Obed mentioned that Consultant Doctors of CMC Hospital  of all the specialties were available for consultation in the CMC City Center both in the morning and evening; and include – Medicine, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Eye, ENT, Orthopedics, Urology, Nephrology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Skin, Plastic Surgery, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Medical Oncology, Obs/Gyn, Endocrinology and Diabetes, and others.
In addition to the Consultations, various services available at City Center include: Digital X-ray, Digital ECG, modern hematology and biochemistry laboratory, and pharmacy. All these areas are manned by trained and experienced personnel of CMC Hospital. This helps to carry out all the investigations at the City Center, very promptly and efficiently. A complete Physiotherapy Services Unit is also functioning at the City Center. CMC Nursing staff is available all the time to provide care and comfort to the patients; and look after their needs.
In order to serve the community better, a free medical and dental health check-upm camp P was organized at the City Center, which was a great success. A large number of patients benefited from Free Consultations from Doctors of CMC Hospital.   Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

A new success by Dr. H S Bedi at CMC Ludhiana

Rare major open heart surgery saves  a new life
Ludhiana, 16th July, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)

Mr Vikas Masih – a   35 year old teacher – was in a very serious condition. He had developed a large blood clot in his lungs – a condition called massive pulmonary embolism – due to which he was not able to breathe. He was referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. On examination and investigation Dr Bedi realized that Mr Vikas was in imminent danger of death as his oxygen levels were dangerously low. This was damaging his brain and kidneys.
He had already been put on maximal medical therapy including the latest blood thinners at another hospital – but they did not work. The only option to save his life now was a major and rare open heart surgery called pulmonary thrombo-endarterectomy. Dr Bedi said that the surgery is done on a heart lung machine but additionally for a short period of time the circulation even through the heart lung machine has to be stopped. This is called circulatory arrest and is like totally stopping the heart and the lungs - both the natural and artificial ones.
Dr Bedi explained that this is because otherwise the blockage in the lungs cannot be seen clearly. During the tense 10 minutes while the patient was ‘clinically dead’ - on no circulation at all – his lungs were totally cleared of all the deadly clot. Dr Bedi is a pioneer in this field and in fact has trained in this rare surgery at the St Vincents Hospital in Sydney. However this was a very challenging case as Vikas is very young and this extent of disease was unexpected.
The other members of the Heart team are Dr A Joseph, Dr Sheetal Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Paul, Dr Reenus ,  Dr Dinesh, Dr Pratap, Dr William, Dr Pearl,  Dr Savan, Dr Meenu, DR Nina and Dr Ashwin  . The heart lung machine was manned by Mr Jairus and Mr William – who are the senior most perfusionists of Punjab – along with Mr Mathew.
Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the CMC was committed to bringing the latest technology to Punjab so that the people of this area were given the best possible therapy. 

CMC organized another event for patient

A Free Medical & Dental Health Check-up Camp
Ludhiana, 8th July, 2012: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) 

A  Comprehensive Free Medical Health Check-up Camp was organized at Sirish Hospital/CMC City Center,(B-XX 1140, Krishna Nagar, Ghumar Mandi), Ludhiana on Sunday, 08th July.  

Specialist Doctors from Christian Medical College and Hospital examined medical and surgical patients; for Skin, Pediatrics (Child Specialist), Ob/Gyn (Problems of ladies), Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist), Dentist (Problems of Teeth), Ear, Nose and Throat, Orthopedics (Bones and Joints),etc.
The team of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff examined about 300 patients in the camp. This is the first time CMC Hospital has organized a free camp at Sirish Hospital.
Mr Gurprit Bassi (Gogi), Municipal Councilor, Chief Guest for the occasion, inaugurated the camp by cutting the ribbon. He lauded the efforts of CMC and Sirish Hospital for extending free medical check-up service to the community. He wished success for the camp and opined that such medical camps should be held more frequently. The camp was dedicated with a prayer by Rev Rogers.

Dr Sirish Chandra and Dr Baljinder Kaur expressed their gratitude to CMC Doctors for conducting this camp and for providing expert consultation for the patients.

Dr.A.G.Thomas, Director CMC, mentioned this camp is part of the commitment of CMC to serve the community by providing expert health care.

Also present on the occasion were: Dr Kim Mammen, Dr S C Khosla, Dr Vijay Obed, Mr Ashley Isaih. 

Appeal to help 7 year old Nagma

Help Nagma for successful stem cell transplantation 
Ludhiana, 15th June, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) 7 year old Ms Nagma (Hospital No: -C-7372377) is diagnosed to have severe Aplastic Anemia, a disease in which all her blood cells stop their production from the bone marrow. Patients with aplastic anemia require multiple blood transfusions and may have life threatening infections and bleeding as the cells to protect the body from these are absent.Appeal to help 7 year old Nagma

            Her only hope for cure is Haematopoietic stem cell transplant with cure rate of 80-90 % is done at the right time. She is fortunate to find a full house HLA match in her younger sister. The estimated expense of a stem cell transplant is approximately cost Rs. 8 to 10 Lakhs. Her father is a truck driver and is unable to meet the daily needs let alone bear the cost of transplant.
Parents who have 3 daughters is keen to proceed with the treatment of their eldest daughter. Christian Medical College is providing free bed charges and is arranging some free facilities and medication. However, the added expenses need to be met. This is a request to all the well wishers to donate for this young girl and give her a second chance to live. If any one is willing to contribute for the same please contact Clinical haematology office – 0161-5037957 (cmcbmt@gmail.com) or All drafts/Cheque may be taken in favour of “Christian Medical College Ludhiana, Society” and please write  Nagma - C-7372377 at the back of the cheque.  All your contributions would be acknowledged.

Dental Implants: Ambition to reality

Continuing Dental Education Programme on 19th May, 2012 
Ludhiana, 18th May, 2012(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Christian Dental College, Ludhiana is organizing a one day continuing Dental Education Programme on ‘Dental Implants: Ambition to reality’, which is accredited with six CDE points by the Punjab Dental council on 19th May, 2012 at the historic Lady Willingdon Assembly of Christian Medical College, Ludhiana.

The Chief Guest for the programme will be Dr. RS Mann, President, Punjab Dental Council and the Guest of Honor will be Dr. Abraham G Thomas, Director of Christian Medical College, Ludhiana. Dr. Vikas Jindal, Vice president of Punjab Dental Council and President of the Ludhiana Branch of the Indian Dental Association will also be the Guest of Honor for the occasion.

Recently implant dentistry is taking lot of importance in dental practice with the predictable success rate of replacing missing teeth with titanium implants into the bone and attaching the prosthetic component immediately or later depending on the clinical condition. Implant dentistry is practiced at Christian Dental College (CDC) since 2002 and there are more than 2000 implants placed successfully with good follow up of all the cases with a dedicated team for the same.

The faculty for the programme will be Dr. Sumir Gandhi (CDC), Dr. Laxman Kumar (CDC), Dr. Nitasha Gandhi (CDC) and Dr. Abhinav Sood (New Delhi).

The programme has already generated lot of interest amongst the professionals in the sense that at present there are more than 170 participants already registered for the event.

The main topics covered during this programme will be diagnosis and surgical treatment planning, diagnosis and prosthetic treatment planning, case discussion (live), implant design, osseo-integration and introduction to various implant systems, two live surgeries, impressions in implants and live demonstration on impression making.

Dr. Abi M. Thomas, Principal, emphasized that there will be a follow up workshop for advanced training in dental implantology.

Nurses week & International Nurses Day at CMC

Ludhiana, 14th May, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) The nurses week was celebrated with various activities such as Procedure Competition, Quiz on different subjects, Poster competition etc. Prof. (Mrs.) Renuka Chauhan gave her views on Nurses Day theme. On the International Nurses’ Day, a function was organized by TNAI (Trained Nurses Association of India) & SNA(Student Nurses Association)  Units of College of Nursing, CMC, Ludhiana.
This day is observed to commemorate the Birthday of the founder of Modern Nursing Miss Florence Nightingale. The day started from Hospital chapel, where many nurses assembled & prayed together for a dedicated & compassionate profession and message by Prof. (Mrs.) Veena Barkat Masih. This was followed by other activities in the College of Nursing on the theme “Closing the gap, from Evidence to Action”. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Director Dr. Abraham G. Thomas, highlighted the responsibility of an Ideal Nurse. He expressed that by effective communication, better understanding is created with patients and their relatives. He emphasized to put compassionate practice as per evidence.
The scientific session was conducted by Prof. (Mrs.) Triza Jiwan and Mrs. Monika Walia on different topics i.e. Occupational Exposure protocol and Hand Hygiene. Role play and documentary on Florence Nightingale was also enacted by the Nursing students. All TNAI Members participated enthusiastically under the leadership of Prof. (Mrs.) Ponnamma R. Singh, Principal and Mrs. Balqis Victor, President, TNAI, CMC Unit.

Dr Bedi is a pioneer in beating heart surgery

A new chapter of success added in CMC
Ludhiana, 12th May, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Mr Jagdev Singh was in a very difficult situation. He was suffering from severe heart disease. All his heart arteries were blocked. He had earlier had 2 stents put in – but they too had blocked. He was at a grave risk of suffering from a major potentially fatal heart attack. Added to this was the fact that both his kidneys had failed and he was on continuous peritoneal dialysis.

He was seen by Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular and Thoracic Surgery - at the prestigious Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.   Dr Bedi consulted Dr Timothy -    Head of Nephrology and it was realised that the though the patient needed an early bypass surgery but because of his kidney failure he was at a great risk. This is because the conventional on pump CABG produces an inherent kidney failure of its own which when added to the existing problem would have been difficult for the patient’s body to handle. So he underwent a triple beating heart bypass which was preceded by a cycle of dialysis and followed by routine peritoneal dialysis cycles. Dr Bedi has trained at the St Vincents Hospital in Sydney where he has seen such cases deteriorating rapidly with conventional surgery

The other members of the cardiac team involved in this marathon surgery were Dr Allen, Dr S Garg , Dr Melchi , Dr Paul, Dr D Arora , Dr Saavan , Dr Pearl and Dr Neelakshi   .  The kidney failure and dialysis technicalities were taken care of by the superspecialist team of nephrologists headed by Dr Timothy – his team included Dr Jasmin and Dr Pratish . In a CABG patient the greatest risk is low blood pressure but this was tackled by doing a beating heart triple bypass surgery.

Mr Jagdev   is now doing well. Dr Bedi is a pioneer in beating heart surgery in which he holds a Limca World Record. He said that because of the special technique devised by him patients who were earlier refused surgery can undergo this life saving procedure with safety.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC – emphasised that now complex heart surgeries are being done successfully at CMC. This is possible because of the excellent infrastructure and faculty of CMC. He said that CMC is committed to bring International level cardiac care to the doorsteps of the people of this region.

Dr Bedi can be contacted at 9814060480 for any clarification
Photo: Mr Jagdev Singh with Dr HS Bedi after the surgery.

Early intervention for optimal treatment of squint

Every case of squint can lead to loss of stereo vision
Ludhiana, 2nd May, 2011(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Generally squint is considered important only from the cosmetic point of view. It is true that deviated eyes do not look good on a person’s face. Added to this is the psychological and emotional distress. However this is not the only deficit caused by squint, says Dr Satish Thomas, pediatric ophthalmologist and squint specialist at Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. It can cause decreased vision because of amblyopia if the squint is in one eye. In addition, every case of squint can lead to loss of stereo vision or 3 dimensional vision.  We can have 3D vision only when both the eyes function simultaneously. Children with squint suppress image from one eye in order to avoid double vision, but in the process lose 3D vision.

Squint is best corrected as early as possible after its onset. This is because 3D vision can only be restored if eyes are realigned within about a year of onset, which is before 2 years of age. Amblyopia or lazy eye can only be treated before 7 or 8 years of age. If squint is to be operated only for cosmetic purposes, then timing of surgery does not matter as much. A surgeon can operate and correct squint at any age, but unless it is done very early in life, the patient cannot obtain any binocular vision and 3D perception ability. This is a very important criterion for many professions and careers like sports, surgery, becoming a pilot etc. It is extremely important even for most simple activities like threading a needle. Unfortunately many patients who come to us late have been advised by many doctors that they have to wait until they get older to have squint operated. Most squints do not improve with time and if we wait in the hope of spontaneous improvement, everything will be lost except a chance of straight eyes.
Dr Satish Thomas says that for the last 7 years, ever since he returned from doing fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and squint from Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, he has been earnestly campaigning for early treatment of squint. It is encouraging that over the last few years more and more patients are coming in earlier for treatment. In the last year Dr. Thomas said that he has seen close to 100 new children with squint in the hospital who have been appropriately treated. Twenty of them have been operated upon and many of them have been corrected with appropriate spectacles and occlusion therapy. However, the number of adults coming in with congenital squints is also on the rise. During the last year about 50 adult patients underwent surgery for squint which they had from childhood. This is a reflection of the society’s understanding of the disease which needs to change. Almost all the varieties of primary squint originate in childhood and need to be operated early in life for maximum benefits. 

An appeal from CMC Ludhiana

A 15 year old girl waiting your helping hand 
Ms. Diksha d/o Late Sh. Des Raj (Hosp No: C-7366016) is a 15 year old girl from Himachal Pradesh studying in class IX. She came to CMCH in March 2012 with painful swelling of her right leg. Her investigations confirmed the diagnosis of Osteogenic Sarcoma – a type of bone cancer. This is an aggressive type of cancer but has not spread to the rest of her body. She has a high chance of cure if she completes chemotherapy and surgery. Some patients with this disease may also require Radiotherapy after surgery. The approximate expenditure for the same is Rs 2 lakh over the next 3 months. Her father passed away and she is being cared for by her mother on a pension of Rs 3000/month. 

The patient and her family are very keen for treatment and her relatives are also supporting the family in seeking treatment. She has already received 2 cycles of chemotherapy with good response in the tumour. She is currently admitted in CMC Hospital for managing low blood counts and infection which can happen due to chemotherapy. It would be a great help to the family if any financial assistance can be provided both to deal with the current crisis and to help pay for her definitive treatment. The Medical Oncology Unit at CMCH is providing some of her medicines and chemotherapy drugs at subsidized rates. However, the added expenses need to be met to enable this young girl and the family to get her back to normal life without cancer. 

We appeal to the people of Ludhiana to please come forward and help the family. If anyone is willing to contribute for the same, please contact CMC Medical Oncology helpline numbers – 09780005333/09915851194 or (cmc.oncology@yahoo.com) or Miss. Amarjit, Publicity Manager Ph: 9888588840. Donations can be deposited in the patient’s name in the form of cheque/DD in favour of “CMC Ludhiana Society”. Cash payments will also be accepted at our accounts/billing section. Donors will be eligible for tax exemption.    -Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria    

A Daring Lung Surgery at CMC Ludhiana

Latest device used for the first time

Photo: A happy Mr Birbal Singh with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi

Punjab is now among the very few cities in India where the latest technology is being used to cure lung disease patients surgically without complications.  This was in the form of a new generation bronchial stapler used by Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery in the prestigious Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana.  Dr Bedi explained that in lung surgery for cancer and TB – the air channel (bronchus) to the diseased part of the lung is cut and then repaired. There is a major risk of the sutures giving sway as the suture area is always wet from lung secretions. This complication - called a broncho-pleural fistula - is a dreaded and sometimes fatal complication all over the world. To reduce this risk a new device called a bronchial stapler has been developed by the Ethicon Company of USA in conjunction with Cardio Thoracic surgeons. This has a double row of titanium clips which on deploying securely close the bronchus with an extremely low risk that a leak will occur.
This was used recently by Dr Bedi in Mr Birbal Singh r/o Basti Jodhewal , Ludhiana    . He suffered from a life threatening bleeding from the left upper lobe of the lung. He was referred to Dr Bedi by Dr Mary John – the Head of Medicine at CMC & H.  Mr Birbal was in a critical state and Dr Bedi realized that he would be at high risk of a fistula by conventional surgery. So the new device was used for the first time in Punjab. Dr Bedi has trained in Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery with Dr Mark X Shanahan – the former Chairman of Cardio Thoracic Surgery at St Vincents hospital in Sydney. There he had done many complicated cases. In fact Dr Bedi has been invited to give lectures on lung surgery by the Association of Cardio Thoracic Surgeons. But according to Dr Bedi – Mr Birbal presented a special challenge as he had lost blood and was very weak. The stapler was successfully used and Mr Birbal made a remarkable recovery.
The other members of the Heart – Lung Team are Dr A Joseph, Dr S Garg, Dr Paul, Dr Melchi, Dr D Benia, Dr William, Dr Savan, Dr Pearl., Mr William and Mr Jairus and Yoga Acharya Mr Nirmal Singh. Dr Bedi explained that in lung surgery major cardio-vascular repair can be required at any time – so it is important that the team be a fully trained Cardio- Vascular & Thoracic one.  Dr Bedi is a board certified surgeon qualified and authorized to perform cardiac vascular endovascular and thoracic surgery.
Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the CMC was committed to bringing the latest technology to the people of Punjab. He complimented Dr Bedi and his team for this pioneering surgery. Dr Thomas told that under the leadership of Dr Bedi CMC & H is regularly performing minimally invasive lung surgeries and is one of the  few centres in India doing this routinely . Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria