Itanagar, Sep 15 (PTI) Doctors at the lone medical college hospital in Arunachal Pradesh successfully conducted a rare surgery, as they closed a congenital hole in the heart of a 30-year-old female patient, officials said on Friday. Cardiologists of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) near here performed the first closure of the Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) of the patient under local anesthesia, on Thursday. The surgery was performed percutaneously (through the skin) by Dr Rinchin Dorjee Megeji and Dr Tony Ete along with a team of nurses.

“This is the beginning of a new era in medical science in the state,” Ete said. The ASD is an opening or hole in the wall (septum) that separates the top two chambers of the heart. The opening is present at birth, but later the septum grows and seals the opening. However, in a few cases it does not get sealed, resulting in an increase in the workload on one side of the heart and excessive blood flow to the lungs.

Also Read | Gujarat Train Fire: Blaze Erupts in Dahod-Anand MEMU Train's Coach in Dahod, Triggers Panic Among Passengers (Watch Video).

“We are grateful to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Health Minister Alo Libang, Health & Family Welfare Principal Secretary, and TRIHMS Director Dr Moji Jini for pushing us every day to go to greater heights,” Ete added.

The chief minister congratulated the team of doctors and other staff of TRIHMS for the rare feat.

Also Read | Spain: Rubiales Denies Wrongdoing in Sexual Assault Hearing.

“Heartiest congratulations to Dr Rinchin Dorjee Megeji, Dr Tony Ete and the entire cardio team of @TrihmsOfficial for successfully carrying out the first closure of atrial septal defect - a hole inside the heart - percutaneously in a 30-yr-old female in local anaesthesia. Proud moment, indeed! Best wishes for the future!” Khandu posted on X, formerly Twitter.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)