23-Year-Old Trekker’s Life Saved with Revolutionary Lung Clot Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar

Bengaluru: A team of doctors at Apollo successfully performed Karnataka’s first life-saving pulmonary thrombectomy using a minimally invasive approach with a USFDA-approved mechanical thrombectomy device, saving a 23-year-old trekker from a massive pulmonary embolism — a rare but deadly lung blood clot.

The young man had recently returned from an intense trek to nearly 8,000 feet when he began experiencing unexplained breathlessness and extreme fatigue. Initially suspected to be suffering from high-altitude sickness, his symptoms persisted even after returning to the plains.

On further evaluation at Apollo Jayanagar, doctors diagnosed a massive clot obstructing blood flow between the heart and lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).

A PE occurs when a blood clot, often originating from the deep veins of the legs or pelvis, travels to the lungs and blocks critical arteries. In this patient’s case, the clot was a saddle thrombus, one of the most severe forms, lodged at the junction of both main pulmonary arteries.

“This is a life-threatening emergency. The heart starts to fail as it tries to pump against the pressure of the blocked arteries. Persistent symptoms, such as unexplained breathlessness, chest pain, or fatigue, should never be ignored. Pulmonary embolism is rare but can be fatal if not treated in time,” said Dr. Lakshmikanth P, one of the interventional cardiologists at Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, who led the procedure. “This case highlights how pulmonary embolism can strike even healthy young individuals, and timely diagnosis is critical.”

Given the urgency and the size of the clot, the medical team opted for a minimally invasive approach using the 24F INARI FlowTriever System, a cutting-edge technology used to remove large clots without the need for open-heart surgery or high-risk blood thinners.

“Through a small puncture in the patient’s leg, we guided a catheter directly to the site of the clot and used suction to mechanically remove it,” explained Dr. Hrishikesh, who co-led the procedure. “This was the first time in Karnataka that the 24F FlowTriever system was used for such a large and critical clot. The outcome was remarkable.”

The pulmonology team, led by Dr. Ravindra Mehta and his team, played a pivotal role in diagnosing the pulmonary embolism early and managing the patient’s respiratory distress pre- and post-surgery. Their timely intervention and coordination with the cardiac team were instrumental in ensuring a successful outcome.

Following the procedure, the patient’s pulmonary artery pressure dropped significantly—from a dangerously high 88 mm Hg to a safe 35 mm Hg—and his oxygen levels stabilised within hours. The recovery was smooth, and he was soon talking, eating, and walking normally again.

The patient’s relative expressed heartfelt gratitude: “We never imagined something so serious could happen after a trek. The doctors acted immediately, explained everything clearly, and saved his life. It truly feels like a miracle.”

Dr. Yatheesh Govindaiah, Unit Head, Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar, said, “This case is a proud moment for our team and demonstrates how multidisciplinary collaboration, advanced technology, and swift clinical judgment can result in extraordinary outcomes. We are committed to providing world-class care using modern techniques.”

Doctors emphasised the importance of awareness, especially among young people engaging in strenuous travel or high-altitude activities. This pioneering case showcases the transformative potential of minimally invasive tools like FlowTriever in managing complex vascular emergencies.

With swift diagnosis and advanced intervention, even the most critical cases can be managed effectively and safely.