Coronavirus: Doctor treats ‘profoundly ill’ surgeon who saved his life 20 years ago – Sky News

A London doctor has treated a surgeon who saved his life 20 years ago after the man was admitted to hospital with coronavirus.

Dr Shakil Rahman, a respiratory consultant, cared for Venkatachalam Chandrasekaran, known as Mr Chandra, when he was admitted to Epsom General hospital with COVID-19.

Twenty years ago Mr Chandra, a cardiothoracic surgeon at St George's Hospital in Tooting, performed a cardiac bypass on Dr Rahman when he had a heart attack in his late 30s.

The pair stayed in touch and were shocked to be reunited when Mr Chandra was taken ill.

He was treated at the hospital for 10 days before he was discharged, with staff lining the corridor to clap his recovery.

Dr Rahman said: "He was admitted by me, quite profoundly ill with COVID-19 pneumonia, to the Epsom General Hospital.

"An extremely kind doctor, a very well-known man, a heart surgeon with incredibly gifted hands. I have known him for 20-plus years.

"He was [one of] a handful of surgeons who started the innovative and unique procedure called 'mid-cab', ie a cardiac bypass procedure which is off pump, minimally invasive surgery and on a beating heart, with incredible recovery times.

"It was really joyful for me and the whole respiratory team to be to able treat him in his hour of need, getting him well and seeing him leaving hospital with his family encouraged by all the clapping and laughter."

Mr Chandra said: "My family and I are grateful for your care in getting me through a difficult time. I am making slow but steady progress."

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Coronavirus: Doctor treats 'profoundly ill' surgeon who saved his life 20 years ago - Sky News