Fortis Gurugram Saves 41-Year-Old Man in Rare, High-Risk Cardiac Emergency Using 23 Life-Saving Electric Shocks
Gurugram, Dec 26: In an extraordinary demonstration of emergency preparedness and clinical excellence, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram successfully saved the life of a 41-year-old man who walked into the Emergency Department complaining of what he believed was simple gastric discomfort. Within minutes, the situation escalated into a life-threatening cardiac emergency, one that very few patients survive without permanent damage.
Despite initial reluctance, the patient consented to an ECG, an intervention that proved critical. Shortly thereafter, his condition deteriorated rapidly, progressing to seizures, dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, and eventual cardiac arrest.
The Emergency Medicine team, led by Dr. Mohammad Nadeem, Head – Emergency Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram, immediately activated advanced cardiac life support protocols. The ECG revealed a classic “Shark Fin” pattern, a rare and deadly indicator of acute, complete blockage of a major coronary artery.
Emergency angiography later confirmed a 100% blockage of the proximal Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery, the heart’s primary blood supply.
What followed was an intense, high-risk, multi-disciplinary resuscitation effort by the nursing staff. Emergency physicians Dr. Shivani Sarda, Attending Consultant, Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Burhan Riaz, Resident, Emergency Medicine, delivered 23 electric shocks, including advanced sequential defibrillation, along with prolonged high-quality CPR, airway stabilisation, and aggressive cardiac medications, measures rarely required in a single case.
Once stabilised, the patient was rushed to the Cath Lab, where the doctors performed an emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) to open the blocked artery and restore blood flow to the heart. Against overwhelming odds, the patient not only survived but remained neurologically intact and was discharged within six days, an outcome considered exceptionally rare in such prolonged and severe cardiac arrests.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Mohammad Nadeem, Head – Emergency Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram said, “This was a race against time. A patient with seemingly mild discomfort went into cardiac arrest within minutes. Survival after such prolonged resuscitation, multiple shocks, and cardiac arrest is extremely rare. What made the difference was early recognition, persistence, strict adherence to emergency protocols, and seamless teamwork between emergency and cardiology teams. This case is a powerful reminder that chest discomfort should never be ignored.”
Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, added, “This case reflects the strength of our emergency systems and the culture of preparedness at Fortis Gurugram. The coordination between emergency physicians, cardiologists, nursing teams, and support staff ensured that a life on the brink was brought back safely. It reinforces our commitment to delivering time-critical, world-class care when every second matters.”