A 62-year-old patient at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Haryana, has become the first in the country to be successfully treated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for severe blood clotting issues. The patient had a blood clot in his lung and in a deep vein in his leg, and doctors at Medanta Hospital employed the Penumbra Flash 12 F Catheter, an AI-driven device, to remove the clots during the endovascular procedures.

Since July 2023, Medanta Hospital has treated 25 cases of pulmonary embolism, a condition where blood clots block the blood flow to an artery in the lung, using this ground-breaking technology. The AI-driven device not only minimizes blood loss but also reduces complications such as anemia, expediting patient recovery.

Dr. Naresh Trehan, cardiologist and Chairman of Medanta Hospital, highlighted the significance of this AI technology, stating, “Instead of opening the chest and the arteries, you can suck out the blood clots. The AI aspect is where you can suck out the clots without sucking out the blood. In the past, we would have to do a major operation, and there would be an element of risk as well.”

The patient, Narendra Singh, a pilot by profession, was admitted to the emergency room with shortness of breath, sudden leg pain, and swelling. Dr. Tarun Grover, who performed the procedure, explained, “Using the Penumbra Flash 12 F catheter, the blood clots were removed, providing immediate relief from pain and swelling. The patient was cleared for discharge within 48 days with follow-up treatment instructions.” This AI-assisted procedure marks a significant advancement in medical technology, offering a less invasive and safer alternative to traditional surgical methods.