Photo Source: Babushahi Network
Potentially fatal clotting cases in COVID-19 on rise: Dr BediChandigarh, June 3, 2021: COVID-19 patients are at risk of thrombosis in the arteries and veins because of inflammatory changes and COVID-19 induced endothelial damage. In fact, it is not just the virus but also our hyperacute immune response (a part of cytokine storm) that causes the thrombotic state. The clot can occur in the limb as in this case – but also in the heart, brain, lungs or other organs informed Dr Harinder Singh Bedi, Director of Cardio Vascular Sciences at the Ivy Hospital Mohali.
Citing a case of 35-year-old COVID-19 patient from Chandigarh who faced a difficult situation, Dr Bedi shared that the patients suffered acute COVID-19 infection and was admitted to Tri-city Hospital.
On the 2nd day of his therapy. he was noted to have a severe pain in the right foot along with discoloration. He was diagnosed as having a clotting in his leg artery with gangrene which was spreading rapidly. He was referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi.
“I have seen and treated such diseases in non-COVID cases in the Escorts Heart Delhi and St Vincents Hospital Sydney but this was double attack on the patient – ongoing Covid with clotting in his main leg artery with extending gangrene,” Dr Bedi shared.
“Though generally surgery is best avoided in acute Covid because of risk to patient and medical staff but this is one of the indications for emergency surgery. All medical staff are vaccinated and complete PPE kits are provided to all. The patient was taken for immediate surgery and huge amounts of clots were removed by surgery. The pulsations returned in the limb. The patient was nursed in the special Covid ICU which is separate from the non Covid part of the hospital,” he added.
The other senior members of the Ivy Heart Team who took part in this delicate surgery were Dr Vikram Arora and Dr Jiten Singh. Dr Bedi stated that he was very proud that all the Faculty and staff responded immediately and without undue fear to treat this emergency case.
Dr Bedi is the President of the prestigious Venous Association of India (VAI) whose members have a keen interest in the treatment of clotting disorders esp so now in Covid times. It was shown that in Covid – a major part of the damage is due to blood clotting esp in the lungs. Dr Bedi has been treating a number of cases in Punjab during and after Covid with blood clots. The Ivy Hospital is fully geared to treat such life and limb threatening complications in Covid patients as they have fully trained professionals and anti- Covid gear for Health Care Workers.