On September 10, doctors at AIIMS Guwahati performed two open‑heart operations in a single day, marking the inaugural cardiac surgery program at the institute.
The procedures were carried out on a seven‑year‑old boy and a 47‑year‑old woman from Assam, both with congenital heart defects involving a hole. Surgeons led by Ashok Puranik, executive director, conducted the operations.
The initiative was enabled by a coordinated effort from the cardiothoracic and vascular surgery department, led by Vineet Mahajan, and support from anesthesia, cardiology, perfusionists, paramedical and technical staff, and nursing teams. A heart‑lung machine donated by the ICICI Foundation’s CSR program was used.
The new program will bring advanced cardiac care to the Northeast and neighboring states, reducing the need for patients to travel far. AIIMS Guwahati plans to expand the service to include coronary artery bypass and other complex procedures.
