In a remarkable life-saving procedure, an 85-year-old woman from Kothamangalam, who experienced severe shortness of breath and chest discomfort while having dinner, was treated at Amrita Hospital, Kochi.

The woman, who was admitted to a private hospital in Kothamangalam in a critical condition, had a piece of bone lodged in her trachea. An x-ray and CT scan conducted by the hospital’s ENT department confirmed a blockage in the trachea. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the patient was referred to Amrita Hospital for advanced treatment. At Amrita Hospital, the medical team led by Dr. Tinku Joseph, Head of the Interventional Pulmonology Department, identified a two-centimeter-long bone piece completely obstructing the right trachea. The obstruction, believed to have occurred when the patient accidentally inhaled a piece of bone from beef curry during dinner, posed a significant threat to her life.

The bone fragment was successfully removed through a rigid bronchoscopy procedure, restoring the patient’s breathing. Following the procedure, the patient made a full recovery and has since returned home. Dr. Tinku Joseph emphasized the importance of timely intervention in such cases, as tracheal blockages can lead to life-threatening complications. The successful outcome highlights the advanced medical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities available at Amrita Hospital, Kochi.