AIIMS Guwahati has achieved a significant milestone with the successful discharge of its first two patients who underwent open-heart surgery at the institute on September 8, 2026, marking the commencement of cardiac surgery services at AIIMS Guwahati.
The two patients, a 7-year-old child and a 47-year-old woman, both from Assam, underwent successful open-heart procedures for congenital heart defects. The surgeries were performed using a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass), which temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs during surgery, allowing the cardiac defects to be repaired safely.
Following surgery, both patients made a smooth, speedy and uneventful recovery and have now been successfully discharged from the hospital in stable condition.
Addressing the media at a press conference today, Professor Colonel Dr. Ashok Puranik, Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati, highlighted this important achievement and stated that the commencement of cardiac surgery services represents a major step forward in strengthening advanced cardiac care facilities in the Northeast.
The successful surgeries were made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), Cardiology, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Perfusion Services, Nursing and other supporting clinical and technical teams, he said.
Dr. Puranik also highlighted that eligible patients can avail themselves of cardiac surgery services at AIIMS Guwahati free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, subject to the applicable eligibility and scheme guidelines.
The initiation of the cardiac surgery programme at AIIMS Guwahati is expected to significantly benefit patients from Assam and other Northeastern states by providing access to advanced cardiac surgical care closer to home.
AIIMS Guwahati successfully discharges first two open-heart surgery patients; marks commencement of regular cardiac surgery services
