‘South-East Asia’s First’ 29-Year-Old Man Undergoes Life-Saving Hybrid Cardiac Surgery for Ruptured Thoracic Abdominal Aorta at Fortis Gurugram

‘South-East Asia’s First’ 29-Year-Old Man Undergoes Life-Saving Hybrid Cardiac Surgery for 
Ruptured Thoracic Abdominal Aorta at Fortis Gurugram

-Thoracic Abdominal Aorta is the Largest Artery in the Body carrying blood from the heart to vital organs

Gurugram, 6th January, 2026: In a landmark clinical milestone, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research 
Institute, Gurugram successfully performed an exceptionally rare and complex life-saving Hybrid Cardiac 
Surgery (open bypass surgery combined with minimally invasive endovascular repair) on a 29-year-old 
man suffering from a ruptured and massively dilated thoracic abdominal aorta (the main artery which 
carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body) - a condition associated with extremely high mortality. 
According to available medical literature, this is the first such surgery reported in South-East Asia.
Patient Saif Alam, a resident of Palamau district in Bihar arrived at Fortis Gurugram in a critical condition 
with a ruptured aorta (the main blood vessel supplying blood to the entire body). His condition was initially misdiagnosed as fluid accumulation in the chest at multiple hospitals in Bihar, wherein a chest tube was 
inserted to control the bleeding. This however led to further complications and uncontrolled internal 
bleeding.

Over the next few months, the patient’s condition deteriorated significantly where his heart function 
dropped to nearly 15% and he was confined to bed for almost a month, due to the risk of sudden fatal 
bleeding. The patient sought treatment across several hospitals in Bihar, Kolkata and Bengaluru, where 
surgery was declined due to the extremely high risk involved. Eventually, as the last hope he was referred to Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, where the Cardio Thoracic Vascular team took on the 
challenge as an emergency, life-saving intervention.

On detailed evaluation at Fortis Gurugram, the team of doctors led by Dr Udgeath Dhir, Principal Director 
– Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram found that the 
patient’s entire Thoracic Abdominal Aorta (the largest artery in the body carrying oxygenated blood from 
the heart down through the abdomen to organs and lower limbs) was severely dilated (abnormally 
enlarged) and with extensive clots. As a result, blood supply to vital organs including kidneys, liver andintestines was critically compromised. Given the severity of the condition and multiple high-risk factors, 
conventional open surgery was not feasible, as it carried a very high risk of paralysis, organ failure, and 
possible loss of life.

Giving details of the case, Dr Udgeath Dhir, Principal Director – Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Fortis 
Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “The patient heart was functioning at only about 15%, 
making immediate intervention critical. Given the complexity of his condition, we adopted an advanced 
hybrid surgical approach, combining open bypass surgery with minimally invasive endovascular repair. The procedure began with the placement of a stent graft to seal the ruptured aorta and control the bleeding. 

This was followed by a highly specialized procedure known as aortic debranching. The hybrid debranching with endovascular repair technique is among the rarest vascular procedures performed globally. This 
hybrid approach ensured uninterrupted blood flow to all vital organs while simultaneously protecting the 
spinal cord, thereby significantly reducing the risk of paralysis. Continuous spinal cord pressure monitoring was performed throughout the procedure to ensure neurological safety. Remarkably, despite the extreme complexity and risk, with an estimated mortality risk of nearly 50%, the patient has recovered well and was discharged in mere six days. He is currently stable and on medical management for low heart function, with plans for a future cardiac procedure once he has fully recovered.”

Dr Anand Kumar, Senior Director, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
said, “Effective management of such critical patients is essential because of their labile blood pressure, 
decreased cardiac performance, and heightened vulnerability to neurological damage. Therefore, 
anesthetic dosing must be meticulously determined and continuously monitored to ensure hemodynamic 
stability and prevent additional neurological harm.”

Patient Saif Alam said, “For months I had lost all hope of living after enduring prolonged suffering and 
visiting numerous hospitals across North and South India with no definitive medical intervention. It was 
only after being referred to Dr. Udgeath Dhir at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram that I finally 
received the right treatment and began to recover. I am truly grateful for the care that has helped me get 
better and resume a normal life.”

Yash Rawat, Facility Director & Senior Vice-President, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
said, “This landmark case further reinforces Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram’s position as a 
leading center for advanced vascular and endovascular surgeries, capable of managing the most complex and high-risk cardiovascular conditions.