Kauvery Hospital Performs Groundbreaking Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement
Chennai: In a historic medical breakthrough, Kauvery Hospital in Chennai has successfully performed the world’s first transcatheter mitral valve replacement with an extended external wrap and atrialized implant through femoral vein access on an 83-year-old patient deemed “inoperable” by multiple cardiac surgeons. The innovative procedure offers new hope for patients with severe mitral valve calcification who have no safe treatment options.
The Patient’s Condition
The patient, an 83-year-old woman, had been suffering from severe Mitral Annular Calcification (MAC), a condition where heavy calcium deposits build up around the mitral valve, causing it to malfunction. She had undergone radiotherapy for cancer of the esophagus and breast cancer, making open-heart surgery or minimally invasive approaches too risky. Despite her condition, the medical team at Kauvery Hospital successfully performed the TMVR procedure.
The Procedure
The TMVR procedure involved modifying a replacement valve with an external wrap to ensure secure fixation and prevent leaks. The valve was implanted in a slightly higher-than-usual position, known as an atrialized implant, to prevent obstruction to the left ventricular outflow tract. Notably, the entire procedure was completed through the right femoral vein in the groin, avoiding the need for open-chest surgery. The patient recovered well and was discharged home within a week.
A Milestone Achievement
According to Dr. Rajaram Anantharaman, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Kauvery Hospital, “This is the world’s first case of its kind and gives new hope to similar high-risk patients globally.” Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder & Executive Director of Kauvery Hospital, added that this milestone reflects the hospital’s mission to bring world-class, life-saving care to those in need. With this success, India has once again proven its position at the forefront of global medical excellence.
