Lucknow, India : A 55-year-old man from Azamgarh narrowly avoided leg amputation thanks to the swift intervention and expertise of doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow.
The patient arrived at the hospital after several days of severe pain, weakness, and black discoloration in his left foot, which had become cold and pale due to severely compromised blood flow. Angiography revealed complete blockage in two major arteries—one near the hip and another behind the knee. Without immediate treatment, amputation would have been inevitable.
The hospital’s interventional radiology team, led by Dr. Shahbaz Mohd Khan, Associate Director, and Dr. Swish Kumar Singh, Senior Consultant, decided to perform an emergency minimally invasive vascular procedure. The technique involved catheter-directed thrombolysis, stenting, and mechanical thrombectomy to remove the blockage and restore blood flow.
Dr. Shahbaz Mohd Khan said, “This was a critical case. Delay in treatment could have led to permanent damage. Our minimally invasive approach restored circulation immediately, and the patient was able to lift his foot again.”

Dr. Swish Kumar Singh added, “Acute limb ischemia requires urgent intervention. By acting swiftly with a minimally invasive method, we avoided open surgery and the need for amputation. Delayed treatment beyond eight hours carries an 80% risk of limb loss.”
The patient has now made a full recovery, highlighting Max Hospital, Lucknow’s expertise in emergency, minimally invasive vascular care, and its role in preventing life-altering outcomes.
