The highly skilled faculty and surgical teams of the CVTS Department have ushered in a new era of cardiac care in the region
KULSOOM BHAT
The Department of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences is setting new benchmarks in complex surgical interventions, emerging as a major centre for advanced cardiac care in the region. One of the oldest and most prestigious departments of SKIMS, the department is successfully performing a wide spectrum of highly specialised procedures ranging from open-heart surgeries and CABG to complex double valve replacements and critical paediatric cardiac surgeries, with outcomes and mortality rates comparable to leading cardiac centres in the country.
The Department has renewed hope for economically weaker patients who otherwise had to travel outside Jammu & Kashmir for advanced cardiac treatment. Such journeys are often physically exhausting, emotionally distressing, and financially burdensome, involving huge expenditure on travel, accommodation, and medical care. The availability of advanced cardiac interventions at SKIMS has significantly reduced this hardship and brought world-class treatment closer to patients’ homes.
The remarkable improvement in surgical outcomes is being attributed to strengthened post-operative management, dedicated teamwork, and several patient-centric initiatives undertaken by the current administration. The Department was recently equipped with state-of-the-art and advanced medical equipment, further enhancing its capabilities in handling high-risk and complicated cardiac procedures. These facilities were formally handed over during a recent inaugural ceremony held at SKIMS.
Under the leadership of Director SKIMS/EOSG Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, the institution is witnessing significant upgradation across critical departments through infrastructure development, technological advancement, and modernisation of healthcare facilities. These measures have provided a major boost to the performance and efficiency of specialised departments like CVTS.
The highly skilled faculty and surgical teams of the CVTS Department have ushered in a new era of cardiac care in the region, particularly benefiting poor and critically ill patients who previously had limited access to such specialised interventions. Their commitment, expertise, and compassionate patient care continue to provide not only treatment but renewed hope to countless families.
Recently, a patient from a far-flung area of Bandipora underwent a highly complex cardiac surgery under the care of Dr. Farooq Ganie. The procedure involved double valve replacement (mitral and aortic) along with tricuspid valve repair in a patient with a critically low ejection fraction (EF) of 25% — a high-risk but potentially life-saving intervention. Despite the recognised surgical challenges associated with low EF, the operation was successfully performed using advanced surgical techniques and meticulous peri-operative care.
Beyond surgical expertise, Dr. Farooq Ganie remained closely involved throughout the patient’s treatment journey, providing continuous guidance, support, and reassurance to the family. His dedication and compassionate approach made the patient and attendants feel cared for and supported at every step. The patient is now recovering well, and the entire surgical team deserves immense appreciation for their outstanding efforts and commitment to patient care.
(The Author is Assistant Director/ PR SKIMS )