State-run Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) has begun performing open heart surgeries. State health and family welfare minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi told the media on Monday that the first surgery at the heal hub took place on February 2.

“I am happy to inform you that open heart surgery started at RIMS from February 2. So far, two operations have been conducted successfully. The first two patients were from Purulia in Bengal and Rohtas in Bihar. The third operation will take place today. The patient is a resident of this state,” Chandravanshi said.

For the operation, which costs anywhere between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh, RIMS used a heart-lung machine provided to the hospital for demonstration by its manufacturer.

The machine temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. It helps to maintain the circulation of blood and the oxygen level of the patient’s body.

RIMS director D.K. Singh said the successful surgeries were the outcome of a team effort. “Cardiac surgeon Anand Mishra from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh and local doctors showed commendable dexterity. We also got support in terms of some key equipment from Alam Nursing Home,” Singh said.

On why the information was not shared with the media before the first surgery, Singh said the decision was aimed at reducing pressure on the medical team.

“Prior information regarding any big decision creates a lot of pressure on the medical team and supporting staff. I had planned to share the news once the operation got completed successfully,” he added.

An unconfirmed source at RIMS said the surgeries were performed without conducting culture tests to detect the presence of pathogens in the operation theatre (OT) that can cause infection in patients.

The culture test checks for bacteria from swab samples collected from the surface of equipment used in OTs.

Microbiological contamination of air and environment in OTs pose a major risk of hospital-associated infection.

Dr Singh, however, denied the allegation.

“The primary culture report was negative. We took all precaution before proceeding with the operation,” he said.

Singh said the hospital would soon buy the heart-lung machine after completing some legal formalities.