Rapid CPR, Expert Care: A Life Saved at Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
On a seemingly routine morning at the Cardiology OPD waiting area of Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road, patients were calmly awaiting their consultations. Among them was 67-year-old Mr. Ramashankar (name changed), who had been experiencing persistent chest discomfort for three days. Assuming it was just gastric trouble, he had come to the hospital seeking reassurance.
However, what followed was a sudden and life-threatening emergency. While near the coffee shop adjacent to the consultation area, Mr. Ramashankar suddenly collapsed. Upon hearing the commotion, Dr. Rockey Katheria, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, rushed out of his OPD without a moment’s delay. “He was unresponsive. There was no time to spare. I started CPR immediately and continued for nearly two minutes until the Code Blue team arrived,” recalled Dr. Rockey.
Chest compressions continued as the patient was swiftly moved to the Emergency Room. Suspecting a cardiac arrest due to a shockable rhythm, he was connected to a cardiac monitor. An immediate defibrillation shock was administered, restoring a normal heart rhythm. ECG and cardiac scan(2d echo)tests confirmed a major heart attack. Though the rhythm had stabilized temporarily, immediate angioplasty was essential for full recovery and to prevent further cardiac damage. He was intubated and put on mechanical ventilator. With Mr. Ramashankar’s son residing in Dubai, the emergency team obtained verbal consent and swiftly prepped him for the procedure.
In the Cath Lab, a critical blockage was identified and treated with emergency stenting. Within an hour, he regained consciousness on ventilator in the ICU. By the next morning, he was breathing on his own, off all support systems. He was discharged after a short observation period, in stable condition.
This case showcases the clinical excellence and team coordination at Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road. Key contributors to the successful outcome included:
● Rapid clinical response
● Expertise in emergency and interventional cardiology
● High-end infrastructure including Cath Lab and advanced cardiac monitoring
● Hospital protocol-driven ICU care
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Expert Commentary
“The patient was a smoker and diabetic, and had not been regular with his health check-ups. He mistook early warning signs of a heart attack for gastric discomfort—an error we commonly see. If he had sought timely evaluation, this emergency could likely have been prevented. That said, the swift and skilled care he received at Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, saved his life. Had this occurred outside the hospital, the outcome could have been tragically different.” — Dr. Rockey Katheria
A Wake-Up Call
This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and timely action. Chest discomfort should never be ignored—especially in individuals with risk factors like diabetes, smoking, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. Regular cardiac evaluations can prevent such emergencies and save lives.
