Inaugurated by Honorable Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways

Nagpur: In alignment with the theme of World Cancer Day – “Close the Care Gap”, American Oncology Institute (AOI) at Nangia Specialty Hospital proudly introduces the Varian Halcyon E, the first of its kind in the Vidarbha region, an advanced radiotherapy machine for comprehensive Cancer Care. Today marks a significant milestone in cancer treatment as Honorable Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates the Halycon E radiation therapy machine, with the first cancer patient receiving treatment, signifying the official launch of operations for the machine. The launch embodies AOI’s comprehensive approach to combating cancer, aligning seamlessly with their primary campaign, #VoiceOfVictory.

The Halcyon Machine known for its precision and efficiency in Radiation Therapy, signifies a paradigm shift in cancer treatment technology. Its innovative features promise enhanced patient comfort, reduced treatment times, and superior treatment outcomes. It further simplifies critical techniques such as craniospinal irradiation (CSI) for patients with central nervous system malignancies. The facility optimises image-guided radiotherapies such as cone-beam CT imaging within 17 seconds and helps in speeding up the treatment process.

Honorable Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways, expressed his optimism about the impact of this technological advancement in the fight against cancer. He stated, “On World Cancer Day, we must unite to Close the Care Gap and ensure access to advanced treatments for all. The introduction of the Varian Halcyon E at American Oncology Institute signifies a significant step forward in our collective fight against cancer. This initiative aligns perfectly with the theme of the day, emphasizing the importance of innovative solutions in enhancing patient care and outcomes. This endeavor reflects the spirit of progress and compassion that defines our healthcare landscape.”

Harish Trivedi, CEO, of CTSI-South Asia, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “Under the banner of #VoiceOfVictory, AOI aims to unveil and celebrate stories that propel individuals toward triumphs, emphasizing the transformative power of resilience and a positive mindset. The Varian Halcyon E represents a cornerstone in our efforts to provide cutting-edge cancer care, offering enhanced precision, efficiency, and comfort for patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment. This technology epitomizes the relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare and sets a new standard for oncological care in the Vidarbha region.”

Dr Amit Dhawan, Regional Chief Operating Officer (RCOO), AOI Nagpur emphasized the significance of the Halcyon Machine in advancing cancer treatment standards. He remarked, “The machine delivers highly targeted cancer treatments with extreme precision and accuracy at a speed up to four times the standard technology. At AOI, we continuously strive to integrate the latest advancements in oncology to provide our patients with the best possible care. The introduction of the Halcyon Machine reinforces our commitment to delivering precise, efficient, and patient-centric treatment modalities. With its advanced capabilities of this machine, we will revolutionize cancer treatment, offering patients access to state-of-the-art therapies close to home.”

Mahesh Nangia, Promoter Nangia Specialty Hospital, expressed, “We are delighted to join hands with American Oncology Institute in introducing the Varian Halcyon E, an advanced radiotherapy machine that marks a significant leap in Cancer Care for the Vidarbha region. This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to providing state-of-the-art healthcare solutions, ensuring that our community has access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment, right here in Nagpur.”

The system is well suited to treat cancer patients, offering advanced treatments for lung, prostate, breast, head & neck, and many other forms of cancer. The introduction of the Halcyon Machine at AOI’s Nangia Specialty Hospital underscores its leadership in advancing Cancer Care in the region. With a commitment to innovation, compassion, and excellence, AOI continues to redefine the standards of oncological care, offering hope and healing to patients and their families.

Nagpur : Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur, a leading health care provider, successfully treated a patient with once incurable Basilar Artery Fusiform Aneurysm with novel flow diversion technology avoiding a major surgery of the brain. This was one of a kind procedure which avoided a major surgery and also saved the life of patient.

Mr RM, a 36 years old male experienced a sudden and excruciating headache while at home during Diwali vacations. The pain was the worst headache of his life often described as thunderclap headache in medical literature.  Investigation with a CT brain showed that he had developed subarachnoid brain hemorrhage which is a life threatening illness as 20-30% patients don’t even make it to the hospital. A subarachnoid hemorrhage means that there is bleeding in the space that surrounds the brain.

To complicate the matter further, the patient developed seizures and hydrocephalus and was in a near comatose state when he reached hospital. Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in cavities called ventricles deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.

On arrival at Wockhardt hospital Nagpur, Dr. Amit Bhatti, who is a leading interventional neurologist and stroke specialist in town did an emergency brain digital subtraction angiography which is used in various forms of acute diseases and injuries of the brain. It showed that there was a fusiform aneurysm (bulging in the wall of the blood vessel) in the middle of the basilar artery. Couple of decades back this would have been a death sentence for the patient because the location of the aneurysm makes it almost impossible to operate surgically and even endovascular treatment becomes a challenge because of the shape.

However, Dr. Bhatti pointed out that due to recent advances in interventional neurology & development of devices like flow diverter stent these disorders are now easily treatable. As per Dr Bhatti, flow diverter stent is a special stent with very high mesh density that allows redirection of the blood flow away from the aneurysm sac thereby allowing the aneurysm to heal and thus enabling treatment of these rare types of aneurysms which were previously incurable.

 Dr. Amit Bhatti is M.D. D.M. (Neuro) D.N.B (Neuro) FINS (Interventional Neurology & Stroke) Consultant – Interventional Neurologist, and with his expertise did this entire procedure  through a needle sized puncture of the artery of the leg without any surgery of the skull.

Mr. Abhinandan Dastenavar , Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur said, ” Our doctors have once again proved their expertise and avoided a major surgery and helped save a life .

Minimally invasive procedure bringing much relief to elderly men with BPH

The Thulium fiber laser (TFL) technology is proving to be an effective treatment for enlarged prostate. Senior Urologist and President of Ace Hospital Erandwane, Prof.Dr. Suresh Patankar said that the minimally invasive procedure, with cutting edge equipment, less damage to nerves near the enlarged prostate, minimal blood loss and pain and faster recovery, is a game changer in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The prostate is a gland surrounding the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body. It produces fluid that carries the sperm during ejaculation. Prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common health problem in men above the age group of 50 yrs. BPH can result in numerous problems like urinary tract complaints, kidney problems or blocked flow of urine which can worsen with time if not treated.

Ace Hospital is one of the first in Pune to adopt this technology, especially for enlarged prostate and has carried out this procedure on about 150 patients till now, since installing this cutting edge technology in March this year.

Whenever a patient is diagnosed with enlarged prostate, it is ascertained whether the growth is benign or cancerous through PSA or biopsy if required. Earlier ‘Transurethral resection of the prostate’ (TURP) surgery was used to treat urinary problems that are caused by an enlarged prostate. An instrument called the ‘resectoscope’ is inserted through the tip of your penis into the tube that carries urine from the bladder (urethra). In the last decade, Holmium Laser TURP became the preferred choice.

Dr. Patankar added, that in recent months Thulium fiber laser (TFL) has emerged as an alternative to Holmium laser-the current gold standard for prostate surgery.  The TFL technology ensures, that unlike in earlier procedures, almost the whole prostate is removed from its capsule & cut with morcellator into pieces & removed. In earliar technnology  tissues were cut using current/plasma which dissipated into tissues & caused nurve damage leading to sexul problems. TFL technique causes minimal damage to the nerves in that area. The depth of penetration of energy is also very less. Therefore this is also beneficial especially for those in the sexually active age group of around 50 years who are diagnosed with BPH and as a result face issues like sexual dysfunction. The minimally invasive procedure with cutting and coagulating (homeostatic) characteristics causes minimal blood loss and faster recovery. High risk patients like those with advance age and comorbidities or those on blood thinners are especially benefited. This is because blood loss is a risk in such patients which is mitigated to a large extent in TFL technology.  Also risk of post-operative bleeding, narrowing of urinary tract (Strictures) are also very less. The fact that a large or the entire enlarged portion or tissue is removed, the chances of recurrence of BPH are the least.