Manipal Hospital Achieves Milestone with Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement
In a significant medical advancement, Kasturba Hospital in Manipal has successfully performed a transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR), marking a new era of hope for high-risk cardiac patients suffering from complex mitral valve disease. This groundbreaking minimally invasive procedure represents a major leap forward in cardiovascular care.
Revolutionary 'Valve-in-Valve' Procedure Saves Elderly Patient
The cutting-edge TMVR procedure, specifically a 'valve-in-valve' technique, was successfully administered to a 72-year-old male patient who traveled from Maharashtra for treatment. The patient had previously undergone open-heart mitral valve replacement nearly a decade ago and was experiencing severe breathlessness and fatigue that severely restricted his daily activities.
Due to his advanced age and associated health factors, the patient was considered high-risk for repeat open-heart surgery, making him an ideal candidate for this innovative approach. The multidisciplinary heart team was led by Dr. Tom Devasia, Dr. Monika Jawanjal, and Dr. Haresh Mehta from Mumbai, who successfully implanted a new valve during the procedure.
Rapid Recovery and Clinical Improvement
The patient demonstrated remarkable clinical improvement following the TMVR procedure and was discharged in stable condition within just three days. This rapid recovery stands in stark contrast to traditional open-heart surgery recovery timelines, highlighting one of the key advantages of this minimally invasive approach.
Dr. Tom Devasia, professor in the department of cardiology, emphasized the transformative nature of this procedure: "TMVR is a game-changer for elderly patients who are considered high-risk for repeat open-heart surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is especially beneficial for patients with failed bioprosthetic mitral valves, severe mitral regurgitation, breathlessness, recurrent heart failure symptoms, or those who already underwent previous cardiac surgery and cannot safely undergo another operation."
Overcoming Historical Limitations in Cardiac Care
Dr. Devasia further explained the historical context: "Historically, repeat mitral valve surgeries carried significant risk, leaving many patients with limited or no treatment options. By accessing the heart through a small puncture in the groin, we avoid reopening the chest, which dramatically reduces pain, blood loss, infection risk, and recovery time."
The benefits of this approach are substantial:
- Most patients can sit up the same day of the procedure
- Walking becomes possible the very next day
- Patients typically return home within a few days
- Immediate improvement in breathing and energy levels
Comprehensive Team Effort Behind Medical Breakthrough
The success of this complex intervention was made possible by a comprehensive medical team that included:
- Cardiac surgeons with specialized expertise
- Cardiac anesthesiologists ensuring patient safety
- Cardiovascular technologists operating advanced equipment
- Dedicated cath lab and ICU teams at the hospital
This collaborative approach demonstrates how multidisciplinary coordination can achieve remarkable outcomes in complex medical cases. The procedure not only saved a patient's life but also established a new standard of care for similar cases across the country.
This medical achievement at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, represents a significant advancement in India's cardiac care capabilities, particularly for elderly patients and those considered high-risk for traditional surgical approaches. The successful TMVR procedure opens new possibilities for treating complex mitral valve disease with reduced risk and faster recovery times.
