Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (AIMS), Cochin

Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (AIMS), a super-speciality hospital, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India on May 17th 1998. Inspired by her holiness Mata Amritanadmayi known as Amma to millions worldwide, AIMS is dedicated to the service of humanity.

The philosophy of AIMS is to offer free medical care to the truly poor with no financial alternative, extend highly concessional rates to those of limited means and modestly charge those who are in a position to pay.

The hospital has several major Departments which possess state of the art medical equipment and a dedicated team of doctors.

The Heart Institute

Cardiology :

Over 30,000 cardiac patients have undergone evaluation or treatment. Diagnostic Facilities include a non-invasive cardiology service with colour Doppler, Echocardiography, Treadmill and Pharmacological Stress testing, Trans-oesophageal echo and Holter Studies.

A 51-bed Coronary and intensive Cardiac Care Unit is equipped with the latest facilities for monitoring and treating all heart ailments and 4000 acutely ill cardiac patients have been treated to date. Facilities for left ventricular assist with intra-aortic balloon pumping to support a failing heart has greatly contributed to the survival of many patients.

The Cardiac Catherization Laboratory has performed 4,300 procedures including 2400 diagnostic Coronary Angiograms and 600 Coronary Angioplasties with the placement of stents to remove blockages of the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Additionally, 500 rheumatic valvular heart disease patients have undergone Balloon Dilations of the mitral valve.

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery :

To-date, the cardiovascular and thoracic surgical departments (CVTS) has performed over 23000 operations for various heart, lung, blood vessel and other chest problems, in patients of all ages.

Highly complex cardiac surgery in new-born and infants designed to correct birth defects related to the heart has been successfully carried- out by a team of highly skilled surgeons. The thoracic surgical service performs all varieties of complex lung and chest surgery. Minimally invasive Coronary bypass operations and the repair of complicated aortic aneurysms are routinely done.

Digestive Diseases Institute

The Digestive Diseases Institute has completed over 3600 endoscopic procedures and over 2000 colour Doppler ultrasound studies. Numerous ultrasounded guided liver biopsies have also been performed to diagnose liver ailments. Sophisticated endoscopic interventions include the dilation and placement of stents in the oesophagus and bile ducts to eliminate obstructions.

Gastroenterology :

The unit routinely treats non-surgically, complex abdominal problems such as bleeding peptic ulcers, tumours of the Gut, with Fibre-Optic Endoscopes and Lasers. Swallowing disorders and the muscular function of the gastrointestinal tract is evaluated with Pressure-Sensitive Transducers (motility studies).

Liver diseases:

Patients with chronic hepatitis as well as end-stage liver disease and all of its complications are managed in a comprehensive facility. Various diagnostic tests including: liver imaging using colour Doppler ultra – sound, CT Scan, MRI, Percutaneous/ transjugular liver biopsies are routinely performed. Complex liver serologies, histo-chemical staining and bio-chemical tests of serum and liver tissue permit the diagnosis of rare disorders of the liver.

Complex liver resections and biliary by-pass surgery are also performed at AIMS. Interventional radiologists perform angiographic tumour embolizations and Percutaneous alcohol injections for palliative treatment of liver tumors. AIMS has already developed the capability for liver transplatations and will soon be initiating this program with a highly experienced team from around the world.

Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases :

Endoscopic treatment Biliary stones and tumours by cauterisation, balloon dilation and metal stent placement, laser/mechanical lithotripsy, extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and Endoscopic stone extractions are all routinely performed.

Gastrointestinal Liver Surgery :

A day Surgery Programme exists for less complicated procedures whereby patients are sent home the same evening. Our new Stoma centre and fully trained staff are available to advise, counsel and care for all stoma patients. In addition to surgery for all gastrointestinal malignancies, the institute is administering chemotherapy for selected postoperative patients.

Institute of kidney diseases

Nephrology Unit :

Complex renal diseases are treated Kidney biopsies with immunofluorescence studies are performed. The Dialysis unit has fully computerised Hemodialysis machines and monitoring devices to ensure patient’s safety during dialysis. Over 3,900 Hemodialysis sessions have been done so far. Other procedures like Peritoneal Dialysis and Plasmapheresis are also available.

Urology Unit :

The unit has conducted over 770 major surgical cases with no complications. Some of the specialised services offered encompass:

• Stone diseases :Stones in the urinary tract are treated using Endoscopy, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Hospital’s new lithotripter uses focused ultrasonic energy to non-invasively disintegrate stones in the kidney, pancreas and bile duct.
• Uro-Oncology :Diagnosis and treatment of tumours in the kidney, ureter and bladder by open surgery or Endoscopy.
• Bladder outflows obstruction :Diagnosis and treatment of prostatic enlargement and strictures with Conventional Transurethral resection of prostrate and Endoscopic laser ablation of the prostate.
• Access for dialysis :This unit creates the access for Peritoneal and Hemodialysis including PTFE and Saphenous vein loop grafting.

Department of Pulmonary Medicine

The services currently available include pulmonary physiology studies including spirometry, gas exchange and lung volumes, Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy and Respiratory Intensive care. The division is supported by a state of the art Radiology and Imaging service, Laboratory services, Thoracic surgery and Gastrointestinal motility laboratory.

Critical Care Services

The intensive care unit at AIMS provides multi-disciplinary care to patients who require close observation and frequent adjustment of their treatment. 76 critical care beds are available to provide round the clock emergency care.

Department of Radiology

AIMS has established the first filmless hospital in Southeast Asia where all radiology images are stored in a computer image archive and are available, within minutes, on any of the computers conveniently located throughout the hospital. This has improved patient care in critical areas like the ICU and operation Theatres. The radiology unit has the state of the art equipment: Spiral CT Scanner, Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scanner, Digital Subtraction Angiography and a Radiography system. The digital nature of the radiology equipment allows images to be transmitted over telephone or over the Internet to other hospitals in the country and abroad.

Diagnostic Radiology

Over 4000 Spiral CT Scans with 3-dimensional reconstruction’s, 960 Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scans and 30000 Digital X-Ray examinations have been performed during this short span of time.

Interventional Radiology

Highly sophisticated equipment provides crystal clear images of abdominal, renal, cerebral and peripheral blood vessels for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Department of Clinical laboratory , Pathology and Transfusion Medicine

Our ultra modern clinical laboratory is one of the best equipped in the country and rivals laboratories in the finest international centres. The Departments of Biochemistry, Haematology, Microbiology, Serology and Histopathology all possess state of the art equipment. The Histopathology Laboratory can perform Immuno-Histochemical studies, which are often required in difficult cases to make a definitive diagnosis. An automated Cryostat is also available, which provides diagnostic results of tissues samples during surgery.

Department of Endocrinology

AIMS’ endocrinologists diagnose and treat a full range of endocrine disorders in adult, paediatric, and also adolescent patients. The endocrinology and Diabetes centre provides comprehensive clinical endocrine evaluation for patients with:

• Pituitary Disorders
• Thyroid Disorders including hypo or hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancers
• Parathyroid and Adrenal Disorders including Addison’s diseases, Conn’s disease, and adrenal adenomas
• Disorders of the Ovaries and Testis including hypogonadism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endocrine causes of infertility, hirsuitism, and other sexual disorders
• Metabolic Bone Disease;
• Diabetes, Obesity and Lipid Disorders

Endocrine Diagnostic Testing Services :

Hormone levels, blood testing, metabolism, and body chemistry are fully tested and evaluated in the hospital’s comprehensive laboratory facility, which is one of the finest in India.

The Diabetes Care Program provides intensive management of diabetes and diabetes related problems (e.g. Retinopathy, Nephropathy, neuropathy, and Ischaemic Heart Disease). Training is given in prevention and management of diabetes.

Pituitary Disorders are diagnosed and evaluated through strict laboratory testing and the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).The Lipid CI treats patients with high cholesterol and high tri-glyceride levels. The Impotence Clinic is one of a few of its kind in India with an Endocrinologist, an Urologist, and a Psychologist working as a team to treat people with impotence.

Nephrology Institute

The Neurology Institute at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre provides care to Patients with diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and/or muscles. Formally trained and experienced specialists are available for consultation and management of neuro behavioural and memory disorders, neuromuscular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, movement disorders, seizure disorders, and headache

Cerebrovascular Diseases (Stroke) Centre :

The Cerebrovascular Diseases (stroke) Centre provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of patients with cerebral infraction and intracerebral hemorrhage

Acute stroke and Neuro-Intensive Care Unit :

Critically ill patients requiring ICU admission for their neurological illness such as intracerebral hemorrhage, neuromuscular diseases, and severe strokes will be managed in a well-equipped Stroke and Neuro-Intensive Care Unit. Our stroke team has specialists from eight different specialities.

AIMS is also a recognised referral centre for Carotid Endarterectomy.

The following specialised services also exist,

• Epilepsy Centre
• Headache Service
• Movement Disorders Service
• Movement Disorders Service
• Neuromuscular Service

State of the Art Diagnostic Facilities

Diagnostic imaging includes :

• Non-invasive vascular testing
• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging
• Cerebral angiography

These imaging services offer capability for digital storage and facilities for remote site access.

The Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory Services, located within the Neurology department, provides diagnostic testing such as electromyography, nerve conduction, electroencephalography and evoked potential study. Diagnostic laboratory services include:

• Nerve Conduction Studies and EMG :Diagnosis of most peripheral nerve and muscle disorders.
• Repetitive Nerve Stimulation for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis and other neuro muscular junction disorders
• Digital EEG
• Video EEG

CONSULTANTS

Dr. Prem Nair A.B.(Internal Medicine), Fellowship (GI and Liver Diseases)

Dr. Prem Nair is the Medical Director of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Chairman of the Digestive Diseases Institute at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. He completed his MBBS from National Medical College, Residency in the Department of Internal Medicine from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York and took his Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Fellowship from Los Angeles County Hospital, California. He was a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California and Director of Gastroenterology at the USC-Good Samaritan hospital for Ten years prior to his return to India.

Prof. K.S.Neelakandhan MS, MCh.

Prof. K.S.Neelakandhan is the Chairman and Consultant in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. He completed his MBBS from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum and subsequently did his MS and MCh. from Trivandrum Medical College. He joined Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences in 1977. Though he has vast experience in all types of Cardiac Vascular General operations, he is best known for his operations on aortic aneurysms. He has 40 publications to his credit. He has delivered the Godrej Karai Oration on Aortic Aneurysm in the 1994 Annual Conference of IACTS at Agra. He is an executive committee member of IACTS, founder, executive member of Vascular Society of India and the national delegate from India in the administrative board of International Union of Angiology, Paris. He is an MCh. examiner to several Universities and to the National Board.

Dr. J.M.Shahani MD (Anaesthesiology)

Dr. Shahani is a Consultant in Anaesthesiology. He finished his MD in Anaesthesiology from AIIMS, Delhi in 1984. For the past 15 years, he has been working as Cardiac Anaesthesiologist and Intensivist in reputed hospitals in India and abroad. His special areas of interest are post operative pain relief, inflammatory response to CPB, monitoring in Anaesthesia and newer techniques of education for medical and paramedical staff in the field of Anaesthesiology.

Dr. Suresh G Nair MD,D.A.

Dr. Suresh G Nair is a Consultant in Anaesthesiology. He graduated from Medical College, Trivandrum. He did his M.D and Diploma in Anaesthesia from SSG Hospital and Medical College, Baroda, Gujarat. Initial training in Cardiac Anaesthesia from Apollo Hospitals, Madras. He worked as a Tutor for 5 years at Medical College, Baroda. He joined as Asst. Professor at Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum in Oct’92. At present he is a Cardiac Anaesthesiologist at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences

His special interest is in the field of myocardial protection during cardiac surgery. While at SCTIMST, he has worked on various myocardial protection techniques. Now he specializes in using the “Chitra Blood Cardioplegia” – A modification of calafiore technique using St.Thomas Hospital Solution.

Dr. K.K.Haridas MD,DM(Cardiology)

Dr. K.K.Haridas is a Consultant in the department of Cardiology. He has a MD Degree from University of Mangalore and a DM degree in Cardiology from Sree Chitra Triunal Institute of Medical Science and Technology. He was also awarded the Chile’s Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology from St.Vincent’s Hospital, Portland. Prior to joining AIMS he was working at Vijaya hospital, Madras as Senior Consultant Cardiologist. His areas of special interests are Coronary, Carotid and other vascular interventions

Dr. Krishna Kumar DM, Fellowship (Pediatric Cardiology)

Dr. Krishna Kumar is a Consultant in Paediatric Cardiology. He completed his Cardiology training (DM) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1990 and was on its faculty for the next 4 years as an Assistant Professor. He then was a fellow in Paediatric Cardiology at the Children’s Hospital, Boston (Harvard Medical School). He returned to India in 1996 and worked at the Escorts Heart institute as a Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist. He joined AIMS in June 1998. His technical skills include echocardiography and Interventions in children with heart diseases. His chief research interests are developing devices for trans-catheter closure of cardiac defects and evolving cost effective clinical strategies for diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease in developing countries.

Dr. V.Sathya Prasad MS, SM (Cardiovascular surgery), FCCP

Dr. V.Sathya Prasad is a Consultant in Adult Cardiovascular Surgery. He completed his MS degree from University of Madras, SM (Cardiovascular surgery) degree from Tashkent State Medical Institute in USSR, FCCP from American College of Chest Physician’s and Surgeons- USA, FIACS from Indian Association of CVTS, FICC from Indian College of Cardiology. Prior to joining us he was working in Madras Medical Mission, Madras.

Dr. Shiv Kumar Nair MS (General Surgery), MCh (Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)

Dr. Shiv Kumar Nair is a Consultant in the department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery. He completed his MBBS in 1982. He obtained his MS degree in General Surgery from the Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh in 1985. In 1988 he was awarded the MCh. Degree in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery from the University of Bombay having completed his residency at the King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bombay.

He joined the Faculty of KEM hospital as a lecturer in Cardiac Surgery in 1989 and moved to Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology- Thiruvanathapuram as an Assistant Professor in 1990. He was promoted to Associate Professor rank in 1994 and became eligible for additional Professorship in 1998. Dr. Nair has spent one year at the University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland and gained experience in all aspects of Cardiac Surgery and Heart lung Transplantation. He spent a further 4 months with Prof. M. Antunes for training in Mitral Value Repair.

His main interest lies in Myocardial Revascularization and surgery for Valvular heart diseases.

Dr. Suresh G. Rao, MS, MCh, DNB (CVTS),

Dr. Suresh G. Rao is a Consultant in Paediatric Cardiovascular Surgery. He completed his cardiovascular surgery training (M.Ch) from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute. He had undergone training overseas in Paediatric Cardiac Surgery at Greelane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand, Children’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, USA. Between 1992-1998 he was consultant Paediatric Cardiac surgeon at the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Madras Medical Mission, Chennai. Dr. Rao has been involved in over 3000 heart operations in children and has authored 36 publications in various national and International journals.

Dr. N.S.Sreekumar MS, MNAMS, FRCS(Edin.) FRCS (England),

Dr. Sreekumar N.S, is a Consultant in the department of Gastrointestinal Surgery. He did his MS from the University of Pondicherry, MNAMS from Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examinations, FRCS- Edinburgh from Royal College of Surgeon of Edinburgh, UK, FRCS- England from Royal College of Surgeons of England, and Diplomate in Laproscopic Surgery from Confederation of the Universities of Upper Rhine, Strasbourg, France. Previously he was working in Royal Free Hospital, London as Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Senior Registrar. His main areas of interest are Hepato Pancreatico Biliary Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation (Liver, Kidney, and Pancreas).

Dr. Puneet Dhar MS, MCh.

Dr. Puneet Dhar is a Consultant in the department of Gastrointestinal Surgery. He obtained his MS degree from Safdarjang Hospital, University of Delhi and MCh from GB Pant hospital, New Delhi. His areas of special interest are Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Oesophageal Malignancy and Motility Disorders, Laparoscopic Surgery, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Colorectal Neoplasms and Portal Hypertension.

Dr. Anand Kumar MD DM(Neuro)

Dr. Anand Kumar is a Consultant in the department of Neurology. He did his Bachelor’s degree and Doctoral Degree in Medicine from Kerala University. Subsequently he had post-doctoral training in Neurology at Sree Chitra Thirunal institute of Medical Sciences and Technology, an institute of national importance. After completing post-doctoral training he worked in Medical training of residents appearing for General medicine MD and Neurology DM examinations. Dr. Anand also did a project on Medical Artificial Intelligence at the Electronics Research and Development Centre of an expert system for epilepsy and an empty shell for use in domain specific knowledge bases.

In 1989, he joined the Ministry of Health in United Arab Emirates as Neurologist in a tertiary care referral hospital. After a ten-year tenure in Middle East, he is currently heading the department of Neurology at AIMS. Dr. Anand has co-authored a textbook of Medicine edited by Prof. K.V Krishnadas. He has presented papers on Somatosensory evoked potentials at the National Conference held at Madurai and has published papers on Poland’s syndrome, post-ictal blindness and benign muscular hypertrophy. During his training period he has done thesis on higher cortical functions in man and peripheral nerve involvement in thrombo-angitis obliterans. Dr. Anand has attended training program on Evoked potentials organized by Biological systems at Chicago and on Trancranial Doppler held at Siplingen, Germany.

Dr. Harish Kumar MRCP

Dr. Harish Kumar Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology graduated from Trivandrum Medical College in 1987. After completing Post Graduate training in Medicine at Railway Hospital, Perambur, Chennai, he went to U.K and after obtaining his MRCP he underwent training in Diabetes and Endocrinology as a specialist registrar at Birmingham. He is in the process of writing his thesis for an M.Phil degree from the University of Birmingham.

He has done research on the genetics of MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) and also on high dose Radioiodine treatment for thyrotoxicosis. His thesis is on the investigation, treatment and follow-up of thyroid cancer with a focus on the role of FNAC (Fine Needle aspiration Cytology) for detection of thyroid cancer and the role of serum thyroglobulin in the follow-up of treated thyroid cancer.

Dr. Sreelekha Gopinath A.B. ( Infectious Diseases)

Dr. Sreelekha is Board Certified in the sub-speciality of Infectious diseases (American Board of Infectious Diseases/Internal Medicine); after completion of her basic degree from Trivandrum Medical College Hospital, she moved to Texas for a residency in Internal Medicine followed by fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Soon after, she returned to India to work at the Apollo Hospitals Group in Chennai.

Though she spent most of her time in the practice of Infectious Diseases Medicine, certain areas are of special interest to her. They include HIV medicine, Nosocomial Infections and Infection Control and Mycology

Dr. Narayanan Unni V MD (General Medicine) DM (Nephrology) Dip NB.

Dr. Narayanan Unni V is a Consultant in the department of Nephrology. He completed his MD in General Medicine from the University of Madras, Dip NB from National Board of Examinations, New Delhi, and DM in Nephrology from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. Prior to joining AIMS, he was the professor and Head of the department of Nephrology at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal. His areas of special interest are Diabetic Nephropathy, Hemodialysis and Kidney transplantation.

Dr. Suresh Pandalai, FRCS ,Dip.Uro.(Lond.)

Dr. Suresh Pandalai is a Consultant in the department of Urology. He obtained his FRCS degree from the Royal College of Physicians and surgeons of Glasgow and Diploma in Urology from the University College London and Institute of Urology, London. Previously he was working as Clinical Lecturer and Senior Registrar at Oxford Transplant Centre, Churchill Hospital. His areas of Special interest are Cadaveric and live related Kidney Transplantation and access surgery for dialysis.

Dr. Srikanth Moorthy MD (Radiodiagnosis)

Dr. Srikanth Moorthy is a Consultant in Department of Radiology. He obtained his MD Radiodiagnosis degree from Trivandrum Medical College and Postdoctoral Course in Vascular and Neuroradiology from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology. Prior to joining AIMS he was working as a Consultant Radiologist in Lisie Hospital, Cochin.

Dr. Aruna Shahani M.D. (Microbiology)

Dr. Aruna Shahani is a Consultant in the department of Microbiology. She completed her post-graduation in Medical Microbiology from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India, 1986. She worked as a Medical Microbiologist in India, Australia and U.K. She has got thirteen years of experience in this field. Her areas of special interests are rapid diagnosis of Infectious diseases and antimicrobial chemotherapy.

Dr. Anjali Kale MD. (Microbiology), Diploma in Clinical Pathology

Dr. Anjali Kale is a Consultant in the department of Pathology. She completed her MD in Microbiology and Diploma in Clinical Pathology from University of Pune. She has Certification in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology from the American Board of Pathology and has fellowship training in Haemotology, Haematopathology, Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine from Montefiore Medical center, New York.