SIMS Hospitals Performs India’s First Keyhole Removal of Rare Heart Tumour
Chennai: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, SIMS Hospitals has successfully performed India’s first endoscopic removal of a rare left ventricular tumour using a minimally invasive keyhole technique. The procedure avoided the need for conventional breastbone cutting (sternotomy), marking a major milestone in cardiac surgery.
The patient, a 45-year-old working woman, was incidentally diagnosed with a mass attached to the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle. Cardiac MRI confirmed the presence of a left ventricular mass/thrombus measuring 1.6 × 1.5 cm.
Primary cardiac tumours are extremely rare, accounting for only 0.6% of all cardiac surgeries in India. Left ventricular tumours are rarer still, occurring in just one out of 20–30 million people. Traditionally, such cases require open-heart surgery through sternotomy. However, the SIMS team opted for an advanced endoscopic approach, creating small openings between the ribs to access the heart and excise the tumour.
The elective procedure was performed by Dr. A. Mohammed Ibrahim, Consultant – Cardiothoracic Surgery, under the guidance of Dr. V. V. Bashi, Director & Senior Consultant – Institute of Cardiac & Advanced Aortic Diseases. Using endoscopic guidance and specialised instruments, the tumour was completely removed, eliminating the risk of complications such as stroke.
Leaders Speak on the Breakthrough
Congratulating the team, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SIMS Hospital, said:
“This success reflects the strength of our clinical environment, the sophistication of our endoscopic capabilities and infrastructure, and above all the dedication and precision of our team. Together, we continue to uphold the highest standards of care and deliver hope and healing when it matters most.”
Dr. V. V. Bashi highlighted the rarity of the achievement:
“Left ventricular mass is a rare condition, and performing its removal through a minimally invasive technique is exceptionally uncommon worldwide. This is the first time it has been done in India. The patient recovered smoothly and resumed her routine work within two weeks.”
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim emphasised the benefits of the keyhole approach:
“Traditional cardiac surgery involves cutting through the sternum, which increases pain, hospital stay, and risk of complications. Endoscopic cardiac surgery reduces pain, blood loss, and recovery time, while avoiding a visible chest scar. We have already performed five such cases with a 100% success rate.”
Broader Impact
SIMS Hospitals continues to expand the use of minimally invasive techniques for treating complex cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, septal defects, and mediastinal tumours. Experts note that about 90% of cardiac tumours occur due to random cellular changes, while 5–10% are linked to genetic predisposition.
This pioneering surgery underscores SIMS Hospitals’ commitment to innovation in cardiac care and positions India at the forefront of advanced minimally invasive heart surgery.
