Army Doctors in Pune Achieve Global Milestone by Treating Ultra-Rare Cardiac Stent Complications

PUNE, March 26, 2026 — Surgeons at the Army Institute of Cardiothoracic Sciences (AICTS) in Pune have achieved a landmark feat in global cardiac care by successfully treating four patients suffering from a life-threatening and ultra-rare medical condition.

The patients presented with coronary stent infections and aneurysmal dilatation of the coronary artery following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)—a complex iatrogenic complication with only about 40 documented cases reported worldwide. Having previously sought treatment at various civil and private hospitals across India without resolution, the patients were referred to the premier military institute for specialized intervention.

The surgical team at AICTS managed these high-risk cases through a sophisticated procedure involving the extraction or exclusion of the infected coronary stent aneurysms, followed by bypass grafting distal to the affected segments.

This intricate approach resulted in the successful resolution of the infections and the restoration of healthy blood flow, showcasing the elite surgical precision of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

The successful recovery of all four patients highlights the institute’s ability to handle some of the most challenging cardiovascular pathologies encountered in modern medicine.

This achievement reflects the exceptional clinical excellence and advanced critical care capabilities maintained by the Indian Armed Forces’ medical wing.

By successfully navigating a complication so rare that it lacks a standardized global treatment protocol, the AICTS doctors have set a new benchmark for cardiac excellence in uniform.

This milestone not only reinforces the reputation of the AFMS as a leader in specialized healthcare but also offers new hope for patients facing rare complications from common cardiac procedures.