Nagpur, 24 July 2025 – In a high-stakes medical emergency at Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur, a patient suffering from a massive heart attack with an 80% chance of death was pulled back from the edge of the abyss. Thanks to the lightning-fast response and extraordinary expertise of Dr. Amit Sureshrao Ballamwar, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, and his elite cardiac team, what could have been a tragic ending turned into an inspiring survival story.
On July 2, 2025, at around 11:00 AM, a middle-aged man was rushed to Wockhardt Hospitals. He had been experiencing chest pain since 5:00 AM, which he had initially dismissed. By 9:00 AM, the pain had become unbearable. An ECG at a local hospital indicated signs of a possible heart attack, prompting an urgent referral for advanced care. In cardiology, the saying "time is muscle" holds true—every minute of delay meant more heart muscle was dying.
Investigations revealed a terrifying scenario: a "Tombstone" Anterolateral STEMI—a massive and lethal heart attack. The patient was in cardiogenic shock with severely weakened heart function (Severely LV dysfunction) and classified as Killip Class IV, indicating an 80% risk of death. Dr. Ballamwar immediately recognized that time was of the essence.
With the patient’s family located in Delhi, Dr. Ballamwar quickly contacted them and explained the critical nature of the situation: “Without immediate intervention, he will not survive.” The family, though far away, placed their trust in the team and gave their consent for the procedure without delay.
As the cardiac team moved swiftly to the Cath Lab, the situation worsened dramatically. Angiography revealed a 100% blockage in the LAD (commonly called the “widow-maker” artery) and a 90% blockage in the LCX. Just as the team prepared for intervention, the patient suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. He went into a lethal rhythm—VT (ventricular tachycardia) followed by VF (ventricular fibrillation).
In a desperate battle to save his life, the team administered 11 electric shocks of 200 joules each. The patient’s body jolted with each shock as they fought to restart his heart. Alongside defibrillation, IV magnesium and Xylocard were given to calm the dangerous arrhythmias, while inotropes and diuretics managed cardiogenic shock and lung congestion. For several terrifying minutes, death seemed inevitable—but then, a pulse returned. The heart showed a rhythm. There was hope.
With unwavering focus, Dr. Ballamwar proceeded with angioplasty. With nerves of steel, he successfully placed a stent in highly unstable patient, clearing the life-threatening blockages. The patient’s heart, though injured, began to beat steadily again—signaling a return from the brink.
The fight wasn’t over. In the ICU, the patient faced relentless arrhythmias like VPCs and AIVR. Around-the-clock monitoring and precise medications were key to stabilizing him. Thanks to the team’s vigilance and care, the patient gradually recovered. Today, he is stable—a man given a second chance at life.
What saved him? According to Dr. Ballamwar, four things: speed, skill, teamwork, and trust. Time-critical decisions were taken without hesitation. World-class angioplasty was performed under extreme pressure. The harmony among doctors, nurses, and technicians was flawless. Most importantly, the family’s swift consent allowed the medical team to act without delay.
Reflecting on the case, Dr. Ballamwar said, “This wasn’t just medicine—it was a rescue mission. Against an 80% death risk, we fought—shock by shock, beat by beat—and won. This is why we never give up.” He credited the success to his entire team, specifically mentioning Dr. Pankaj Jain (Senior Anaesthesiologist), Mr. Manohar Raut and Mr. Devendra Chaware (Senior Technicians), as well as the dedicated sister staff and ICCU team. Without their synchronized effort and precision, such a complex life-saving intervention wouldn’t have been possible.
This story matters to everyone. “Heart attacks don’t come with warnings—they strike suddenly”. Ignoring chest pain can be a fatal mistake. But institutions like Wockhardt Hospitals, equipped with advanced cath labs and skilled professionals like Dr. Amit Sureshrao Ballamwar, have the power to change destinies. This wasn’t a miracle—it was medicine at its bravest.
Why we are reporting this ?
Globally, fewer than 10 cases have been documented where a patient survived after receiving 11 DC shocks of 200 joules. This patient is among those rare, incredibly fortunate individuals who defied all odds and survived this catastrophic cardiac storm.
