Therapeutic hypothermia saved the life of a Tyngsboro resident

A new medical procedure to save the lives of heart attack victims was implemented just in time for a fortunate Tyngsboro resident after arriving at Saints Medical Center on August 9, 2007.  Things looked so dire for the unconscious Bihraibnai Patel, 61, when he arrived at the hospital by ambulance. Cardiologists on duty that night had to respond quickly to save his life. He was beyond help with CPR and precious minutes were running out.

Cardiologist Kirk MacNaught, MD, and his team of nurses in the cardiac catheterization lab, successfully opened the block artery that caused the heart attack. However, Mr. Patel remained unconscious and tests showed the onslaught of brain damage due to the lack of oxygen.

Dr. MacNaught immediately ordered therapeutic hypothermia, a procedure in which the patient is packed with ice until the body temperature drops five or six degrees. Medical research indicates that therapeutic hypothermia can reduce brain damage and increase survivability after cardiac arrest because the drastic drop in temperature protects the brain by slowing down metabolism, reducing the need for oxygen and nutrients.

A variety of methods are used during therapeutic hypothermis to bring the temperature down, including pumping cold fluid into veins, packing the body with ice packs, and placing the patient on a cooling blanket. To save the life of Mr. Patel, Saints nurses placed ice bags in several key locations such as in the armpits, behind the neck and on the forehead.

"Placing a patient in forced hypothermia slows down their heartbeat and delivers blood and oxygen to vital organs at a slower blood-flow rate," explained Dr. MacNaught. "After cardiac arrest, cerebral circulation must slowly be restored. By reducing the body's metabolic activity, therapeutic hypothermia can minimize the chance of damage to tissue that can occur when the blood supply is restored too rapidly."

Although some hospitals have been reluctant to introduce therapeutic hypothermia into treatment protocols for heart attack patients, increased numbers of cardiologists and paramedic crews are taking note after monitoring success stories elsewhere.

Twenty-four hours after his innovative intervention, Mr. Patel was awake in his hospital bed surrounded by his large family. With no apparent signs of brain damage, the patient was soon discharged and is thankful for the fast-acting team at Saints Medical Center that gave him a special gift - a second chance at life.