STNM Hospital makes history with first Penumbra Thrombectomy in Sikkim; 90-year-old patient saved by life-changing procedure

In a historic first for the state of Sikkim, the STNM Hospital in Gangtok has successfully carried out a mechanical thrombectomy using the advanced Penumbra System. This major medical breakthrough was performed on June 24, 2025, marking the first time such a procedure has been done in the region. It was led by Dr. D.P. Rai, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Head of the Department of Cardiology at the hospital.

The patient, a 90-year-old retired Major Nurse from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, was rushed to the hospital after suffering from acute limb ischemia; a sudden blockage in the artery of her left hand. If not treated in time, the condition could have led to gangrene and possibly the loss of her limb.

Thanks to the swift action of the cardiology team and the availability of the Penumbra System, the procedure was completed within just one hour of admission. The complex intervention was done in the Cath-Lab operating theater and involved removing the blood clot from inside the artery using a catheter—a minimally invasive method known as endovascular surgery.

Speaking about the achievement, Dr. D.P. Rai said, “This system was long overdue for our region. It is a critical tool for emergencies like strokes or heart attacks caused by blood clots. Until now, patients had to be sent to other cities, such as Guwahati or Delhi, for such treatment. With the help of the Health Minister, the Health Department, and the hospital administration, we finally got this equipment installed here.”

He explained that the patient suffered sudden pain and numbness due to a blockage in the artery. Using the Penumbra System, the team was able to safely remove the clot and restore blood flow. Remarkably, the patient recovered quickly and was discharged within just two days. Dr. Rai emphasized the importance of early treatment, saying, “The sooner we act, the less the damage. Quick intervention is always better.”

Dr. Rai also highlighted the affordability of the treatment at S.T.N.M. Hospital. While private hospitals may charge up to 4–5 lakhs for the procedure due to the high cost of the equipment, S.T.N.M. offers the treatment at minimal and affordable rates. In some cases, the hospital even offers free or subsidized care, especially for patients from economically weaker backgrounds.

This success marks a turning point not only for S.T.N.M. Hospital but for the entire medical infrastructure of Sikkim and North Bengal. The installation of the Penumbra System puts the hospital in the same league as major centers in Guwahati and Delhi where such advanced procedures are routinely performed.

Arati Sharma, the hospital administrator, expressed deep pride in the achievement. “Now that we have this advanced system in place, our region no longer has to rely on outside hospitals. We are extremely proud of Dr. D.P. Rai and the entire cardiology team. On behalf of the whole S.T.N.M. family, we thank him for his dedication and contribution to healthcare in Sikkim,” she said.

The hospital has also released a video urging the public to share the news widely to spread awareness about the Penumbra System and its availability in Sikkim.