Experts collaborate for optimal cardiac care

Cardiothoracic surgeons attending the first edition of the two-day ‘Apollo Advanced Cardiac Techniques and Technologies in Surgery’ (AACTTS) workshop, hosted by Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabd, briefed about the advances, latest techniques and practices in the field of Cardiothoracic surgery on Sunday.

This workshop was organised to demonstrate latest surgical techniques related to cardiac valve procedures, mini thoracotomy, mini sternotomy, multi vessel mid-cab, catheter based surgical interventions, coronary anastomotic devices and others. Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Dr Vijay Dixit said, “This workshop enabled the delegate cardiothoracic surgeons from across the country to refine their techniques with practical tips and tricks shared by expert faculty.”

Former Director of Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Dr VA Subramanian said, “India has huge incidence of cardiac disease and diabetes, early detection and prevention is the way forward for the country to gain control over this burden. It is essential to involve cardiac surgeons from initial stages to manage these patients.”

Speaking about rising cost of healthcare, he said, “Standardisation of care across the system can bring down the cost of healthcare. Companies manufacturing devices should offer different cost structure for South Asian countries. Government also should regulate the cost of devices being imported, the plus point for India is volumes it can offer, so the Government should make the companies know that they can sell devices here but should reduce the prices due to the volume advantage. Hospitals should also come together and negotiate prices.”

According to Dr Nirav C Patel, Vice-Chairman, Cardiothoracic Surgery & Director, Robotic Cardiac Surgery, Lennox Hill Hospital, New York, “The way forward for cardiac care in India is team collaboration. Every cardiac patient case has to be discussed threadbare and the treatment modality decided by the team comprising of cardiologist, cardiothoracic surgeon, anaesthetist and other members. Such multi-disciplinary approach helps in dispensing optimal care and the patient gets only the best form of treatment.”