MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar Performs India’s First Combined Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedure
Chennai: MGM Healthcare Malar has successfully performed what is being described as India’s first combined minimally invasive cardiac procedure—Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) along with the implantation of a dual chamber leadless pacemaker—on a single patient, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery.
The procedure was carried out on a 75-year-old woman with a prior history of bypass surgery, who presented with severe breathlessness and multiple episodes of loss of consciousness over three months.
Detailed evaluation, including a CT aortogram, revealed aortic stenosis—a critical narrowing of the heart’s main valve—and a 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block, a serious electrical conduction disorder affecting heart rhythm. The coexistence of these conditions placed the patient in a high-risk category for conventional surgical intervention.
Given the complexity, a multidisciplinary cardiac team led by Dr. Madan Mohan opted for a fully catheter-based, minimally invasive approach.
The team first performed TAVI to replace the diseased valve, followed by the implantation of a dual chamber leadless pacemaker system. Unlike conventional pacemakers, the leadless system involves placing miniature devices directly within the heart chambers, eliminating the need for surgical pockets and lead wires while enabling wireless coordination to regulate heart rhythm.
Both procedures were conducted through a blood vessel in the leg, avoiding open-heart surgery. This approach significantly reduced the risk of complications, shortened ICU stay, and enabled faster recovery. The patient was discharged within 48 hours.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Madan Mohan said the combined procedure marks a significant advancement in structural and rhythm management therapies, highlighting a shift toward fully catheter-based cardiac care for high-risk patients.
Venugopal Bhat, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President – Group Strategic Initiatives, noted that the milestone reflects the future of cardiac treatment, where complex conditions can be managed with precision and minimal invasiveness.
The hospital stated that this achievement sets a new benchmark in India’s interventional cardiology landscape, offering a promising alternative for patients unsuitable for traditional surgery.
