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In an extraordinary medical breakthrough, a 32-year-old software engineer from Pune has made a stunning recovery from a rare and complex neurological condition, thanks to the exceptional expertise of the neurosurgery team at Manipal Hospitals, Baner. Not only did the patient survive repeated strokes caused by a blocked artery in the brain, but he also experienced the rare return of vision in one eye after undergoing a highly specialised brain bypass surgery.
Let’s take a closer look at this inspiring journey of resilience, precision medicine, and hope.
Synopsis
- Understanding the Rare Condition: What Went Wrong?
- What is Moya Moya Disease?
- The Game-Changing Decision: Brain Bypass Surgery
- The Surgery and its Surprising Outcome
- Why Brain Bypass Surgery is So Rare and Crucial
- Manipal Hospitals Baner: Where Cutting-Edge Care Meets Compassion
- What This Means for Patients and Families
- Conclusion: A New Lease on Life
Understanding the Rare Condition: What Went Wrong?
The patient had been facing recurring health episodes for nearly six months. These episodes involved brief spells of weakness on the left side of his body, often triggered by simple stressors such as dehydration or a drop in blood pressure. Although each episode lasted only a few minutes, there were clear signs of ischemic events—temporary blockages in blood flow to the brain.
After a detailed evaluation, the neurosurgeons at Manipal Hospitals, Baner, discovered that his right middle cerebral artery (MCA)—one of the major arteries supplying blood to the brain was completely blocked. Alarmingly, this blockage had already led to a loss of vision in one eye, likely caused by reduced blood supply to the optic regions of the brain.
The team suspected a rare, progressive condition known as Moya Moya disease.
What is Moya Moya Disease?
Moya Moya is a rare, chronic cerebrovascular disorder that causes certain arteries in the brain to become narrowed or blocked over time. As the brain tries to compensate for the reduced blood flow, it develops a network of tiny blood vessels, appearing like a “puff of smoke” on imaging studies, which is what “Moya Moya” means in Japanese.
This disease is more common in Asian populations, especially among children and young adults. Unfortunately, in many cases, conventional treatments such as stenting or medication aren’t effective or even viable, particularly when the blockage is extensive or there is no visible distal flow.
This left Pune’s 32-year-old software engineer with limited options.
The Game-Changing Decision: Brain Bypass Surgery
After carefully evaluating the condition and ruling out standard procedures, the medical team, led by Dr. Amit Dhakoji, Head of Neurosurgery, and Dr. Shrey Kumar Shah, Consultant Neurosurgeon, decided on a surgical approach that is rarely performed but incredibly powerful in the right cases: the STA-MCA bypass, more commonly known as brain bypass surgery.
In this procedure, a healthy artery from the outside of the head, the superficial temporal artery (STA), is rerouted and surgically connected to a viable portion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) within the brain. This connection allows fresh, oxygen-rich blood to bypass the blocked area and nourish the affected brain tissue directly.
The Surgery and Its Surprising Outcome
The surgery, performed at Manipal Hospitals, Baner, was technically demanding and required microscopic precision. However, the result was nothing short of remarkable.
Following the operation, the patient no longer experienced ischemic episodes, and most astonishingly, he began to regain vision in his previously blind eye. While full vision recovery is rarely anticipated in such cases, this unexpected benefit further highlights the success of the procedure.
Dr. Amit Dhakoji shared, “The vision improvement was a welcome surprise. We primarily aimed to prevent further strokes by restoring the blood supply. But to see vision returning is truly rare and gratifying.”
Why Brain Bypass Surgery is So Rare and Crucial
Brain bypass surgery is not commonly performed, mainly due to its complexity and the specific conditions that warrant it. However, in select cases—like this one—it becomes the only life-saving option.
Unlike heart bypass surgery, brain bypass involves ultra-fine arteries and delicate brain tissue, making it a domain for highly skilled neurosurgeons and well-equipped centres.
By revascularising the brain, this procedure can.
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Prevent future strokes.
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Improve neurological function.
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Offer a significant improvement in the quality of life.
Manipal Hospitals Baner: Where Cutting-Edge Care Meets Compassion
This extraordinary case is a shining example of the clinical excellence, advanced technology, and patient-centred care that defines Manipal Hospitals, Baner.
Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director at Manipal Hospital Baner, remarked,
“This case reflects the strength of multidisciplinary teamwork and our commitment to delivering world-class care even in the most complex scenarios. We’re proud to offer advanced neurosurgical treatments with precision and empathy.”
With a reputation for handling some of the most challenging neurological cases, the neurosurgery team at Manipal Hospitals, Baner, continues to push boundaries in patient outcomes and medical innovation.
What This Means for Patients and Families
This story is not just about medical success—it’s about giving someone their life back. A young man, once uncertain about his future due to a rare neurological disorder, can now return to work, see through his once-blind eye, and live a life free of fear.
This case also serves as a powerful reminder to the public:
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Never ignore repeated or temporary neurological symptoms like numbness, vision loss, or limb weakness.
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Seek immediate medical care, especially when symptoms recur.
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Trust specialised centres like Manipal Hospitals for complex brain and spine care.
Conclusion: A New Lease on Life
The successful brain bypass surgery performed on the Pune engineer is more than a medical milestone; it’s a testament to hope, resilience, and world-class medical care available in India today.
For individuals suffering from rare cerebrovascular conditions like Moyamoya disease, this story brings light and reassurance. There is hope beyond traditional treatments. And with expert care, even the most unexpected outcomes, like regaining vision, are possible.
At Manipal Hospitals, Baner, miracles are not just hoped for—they’re planned, performed, and made possible through science, skill, and heartfelt care. Book an appointment now!
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