Tamil Nadu Power Minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last week in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam, underwent a successful Heart Coronary Artery Bypass surgery at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Wednesday morning. The hospital authorities issued a statement saying that the minister’s condition is stable and he is being monitored closely.
What is Heart Coronary Artery Bypass surgery?
Heart Coronary Artery Bypass surgery (CABG) is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked or narrowed arteries with healthy blood vessels taken from other parts of the body. CABG is usually done when there are multiple blockages in the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. CABG can relieve chest pain (angina), improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart attack.
Why did Balaji need CABG?
Balaji was admitted to Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital (Omandurar hospital) on June 14 after he complained of chest pain during his interrogation by ED officials. He was later shifted to Kauvery Hospital for further treatment. According to the hospital bulletin, Balaji underwent a coronary angiogram, which revealed that he had triple vessel disease, meaning that three of his major coronary arteries were blocked. He was advised to undergo CABG at the earliest.
How was Balaji’s CABG performed?
Balaji underwent a beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery at Kauvery Hospital on Wednesday morning. This means that his heart was not stopped during the surgery and he did not need a heart-lung machine to pump blood for him. Instead, a device called an octopus stabilizer was used to hold the part of the heart that needed bypass grafts while the rest of the heart continued to beat normally. This technique reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding, stroke and kidney failure.
According to the hospital statement, four bypass grafts were placed and coronary revascularization was established during the operation. This means that four healthy blood vessels were attached to the blocked arteries to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. The surgery lasted for about four hours and Balaji was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after that.
What is Balaji’s current condition?
The hospital authorities said that Balaji’s condition is stable and he is being monitored by a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. He will remain in the ICU for a few days before being moved to a general ward. He will need regular follow-up visits and medication to prevent blood clots and infections. He will also need cardiac rehabilitation, which includes exercise, diet and lifestyle changes, to improve his heart health and prevent future problems.
What is Balaji’s legal status?
Balaji was arrested by ED on June 14 in connection with a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam that allegedly took place when he was transport minister in 2012-13. He is accused of collecting money from job aspirants promising them government posts in transport corporations. He is also facing charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Balaji has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he is being targeted for political reasons. He has filed a bail petition in the Madras High Court, which will be heard on June 23. He has also sought permission from the court to attend the ongoing assembly session as an elected representative.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu Power Minister V Senthil Balaji underwent a Heart Coronary Artery Bypass surgery at Kauvery Hospital on Wednesday morning after being diagnosed with triple vessel disease. The hospital authorities said that his condition is stable and he is being monitored closely. Balaji is also facing legal troubles as he was arrested by ED last week in a cash-for-jobs scam case. He has applied for bail and sought permission to attend the assembly session.
