New Delhi, May 26 (IANS): A 62-year-old Sudanese man has been provided a new lease of life by doctors at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute here, who conducted a rare and complex heart valve replacement.

Mutwakil Muhamed Ahmed Abunayeb, who weighed 165 kg (55.4 on body mass index), was suffering from a medical condition of a leaking descending aorta, which led to deterioration in the functioning of his heart. 

According to the doctors, Abunayeb also had complications in respiratory system and bilateral acute brain and neurovascular bundles with leaking descending aorta.

His obesity presented a bigger challenge compared to his other complications like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

His excessive weight burdened his heart with a higher ejection fraction than supply. His condition was deemed unfit even for general anesthesia as he would have required a ventilator and may not have recovered from the dependency on the machine.

"The leaking descending aorta of the patient was difficult to operate on due to his overweight coupled with diabetes. There was no time to wait for his bariatric surgery and weight reduction because his fast leaking aorta was causing much more damage," said Dr Yugal Mishra, director (cardiac surgery).

The team of doctors decided to conduct 'endovascular stenting' on Abunayeb, which could cover the entry point of the aorta dissection.

"We decided to treat the patient by non-surgical placement of covered stent graft in the aorta to seal the rupture. This was done through a cut in the groin," added Dr Atul Mathur, director (invasive cardiology).

Abunayeb recovered completely after 48 hours post surgery and could also walk comfortably.

"I could never imagine that the aortic valve replacement which had become absolutely necessary in my case would be so simple and without any blood loss," said an elated Abunayeb adding "I am really very happy with the procedure and thankful to team of doctors for giving me new lease of life."