Manipal: Syncope and Pacemaker Clinics Inaugurated at Kasturba Medical College and Hospital

Manipal, April 18, 2024: In a pioneering move aimed at enhancing healthcare services, the Department of Cardiology at Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, unveiled specialized Syncope and Pacemaker Clinics.

This is the first of its kind in Karnataka. The clinic will provide state-of-the-art care for patients with syncope & this clinic stands as one of the very few specialized syncope clinics in the country, according to a press statement.

Syncope, colloquially known as fainting or passing out, is a transient loss of consciousness resulting from decreased blood flow to the brain. Despite often being benign, it can signal underlying heart or neurological conditions requiring attention. Recognizing the critical need for specialized care, this initiative establishes one of the country’s few dedicated syncope clinics, promising cutting-edge evaluation and management for patients.

Led by a multidisciplinary team of experts including cardiologists, neurologists, and electrophysiologists, the Syncope Clinic offers tailored assessment and personalized care plans for individuals grappling with recurrent episodes. By harnessing collaborative expertise, the clinic aims to diagnose underlying causes accurately and devise effective treatment strategies.

Complementing this endeavor is the Pacemaker Clinic, catering to individuals requiring intervention to regulate heart rhythm. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced professionals, the clinic offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient surveillance, coupled with patient education initiatives. Services encompass device system evaluations, analysis, and programming, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal was the chief guest of the program. Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, Pro- Vice Chancellor ( Health Sciences), MAHE Manipal, Dr G Arun Maiya, Dean-MCOPS were the guest of honour for the program. Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean-KMC, Dr Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent and Dr. Padmakumar R, Professor and Head -Department of Cardiology, Dr Tom Devasia, Professor of Cardiology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal were present.

Speaking after inaugurating the special clinics Dr. Venkatesh commended the initiative’s significance in advancing healthcare accessibility, emphasizing its potential to positively impact patient outcomes. He said “Subspecialties stand as a boon within the healthcare sector, offering a pathway to deliver advanced care through collaborative efforts among various specialists. This approach facilitates the integration of diverse expertise, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and tailored treatment solutions”.

Dr. Sharath Kumar Rao underscored the importance of such specialized clinics in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of the community, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to excellence in patient care. And he said” There is no universally accepted gold standard method for diagnosing and treating any disease. Instead, employing a multidisciplinary approach is deemed the most appropriate course of action for effective management.”

Dr. G Arun Maiya said, “With the establishment of specialized clinics, we embark on a journey of innovation and invention within the healthcare realm, paving the way for myriad opportunities for our students. These new facilities serve as hubs for groundbreaking research and practical learning, enriching the educational landscape and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Dr. Padmakumar R, Professor and Head of the Department of Cardiology, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Mukund A Prabhu, Associate Professor and In-charge of the Electrophysiology Division, provided a comprehensive overview of the Syncope and Pacemaker clinics’ objectives and scope. Dr Krishnananda Nayak, Additional Professor, Department of Cardio Vascular Technology gave an overview of the journey of cardiac cath lab pacemaker in our hospital. Associate Professor Dr Ganesh delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. Jyoti emcee for the program.

The launch of the Syncope and Pacemaker Clinics at Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, heralds a new era of specialized healthcare, promising unparalleled expertise and care for patients navigating complex cardiac conditions. With its visionary approach and collaborative ethos, the initiative underscores the institution’s unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in medical care.