Doctors at the Army Institute of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences in Pune successfully removed an LED bulb lodged deep inside a nine-month-old infant’s lung
May 29, 2026: Doctors at the Army Institute of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences in Pune successfully saved the life of a nine-month-old infant after removing a hazardous LED bulb lodged deep inside the child’s left lung. According to the Indian Army’s Southern Command, the object contained corrosive wires and posed a serious threat to the infant’s airway and lungs. The surgery was carried out using a highly complex bronchoscopic procedure.
The Indian Army described the case as a life-threatening emergency that carried major risks, including airway collapse and the possibility of invasive lung surgery. However, specialists at the Pune-based institute managed to remove the bulb with precision and restore the child’s breathing without complications. The Southern Command also shared X-ray images and photographs of the extracted LED bulb after the successful operation.
The rare medical intervention received widespread praise on social media, with many users calling the army doctors “real-life heroes” for avoiding open surgery through advanced bronchoscopy techniques. The incident also highlighted the growing concern around household hazards for children and the importance of quick emergency medical care.