Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, Saves Life of 76-Year-Old Patna Patient with Advanced Cardiac Treatment

In a remarkable achievement in cardiac care, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, successfully treated a 76-year-old male patient from Patna, Mr. Bipin Poddar, who had been suffering for nearly a decade from an incomplete lead extraction and resulting pacemaker-related infection. The complex case was handled by Dr. Dilip Kumar, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Vice President & Head of Structural Heart at Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass.

Mr. Poddar first underwent right-sided pacemaker implantation at a hospital in Patna in 2015. In 2018, the device had to be replaced, but the earlier lead was not completely removed. Instead, part of the lead was cut and left inside, which gradually led to a sub-acute infection. Another surgery in 2021–22 also failed to resolve the problem, and since March this year, the patient had been suffering from persistent high fever.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Dilip Kumar said:
“Cardiac implantable electronic devices are life-saving for patients with rhythm disorders. But if infection develops—and especially if the old leads are not fully removed—the risk to life becomes very high. In Mr. Poddar’s case, the retained leads had been infected for nearly 10 years, making this a long-standing and dangerous complication. Extraction was extremely difficult because of scarring and calcification. With meticulous planning, however, our team was able to remove the infected leads and restore proper cardiac function. Compared to a pacemaker replacement, such lead extractions carry far greater risks.”

After the successful surgery, the infected leads were completely removed, the infection was cured, and the patient was discharged in stable condition.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr.Bipin Poddar said:
“For years I suffered from fever and weakness. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries in Patna, the actual problem was never solved. After coming to Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, I finally got proper treatment. Dr. Dilip Kumar and his team not only identified the real issue but also treated me with immense care and professionalism. It feels like I have been given a new life.”

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Anubhav Deb Gupta, Regional Director – East, Manipal Hospitals, said:
“Successfully completing such a difficult case is proof of our excellence and expertise in cardiac care. With advanced technology and patient-focused medical practices in Eastern India, we continue to achieve milestones like this in saving lives.”