In a major breakthrough for cardiac care in Pune, doctors at a leading city hospital have successfully performed a motorised transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on a 61-year-old high-risk patient, marking the first procedure of its kind in the city. This advanced, minimally invasive heart valve surgery is being hailed as a game-changer for patients who are considered unfit for conventional open-heart surgery.
Understanding the Patient’s Condition
The patient was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, a life-threatening condition in which the heart’s aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure, fainting, or even sudden cardiac death.
When admitted, the patient complained of extreme fatigue and breathlessness, classic symptoms of advanced valve disease. However, his medical history posed a significant challenge. He suffered from systemic hypertension and had a previous stroke, placing him in the “high-risk” category for traditional open-heart surgery.
Why Traditional Surgery Was Not an Option
Open-heart surgery involves opening the chest, stopping the heart, and placing the patient on a heart-lung machine. For elderly patients or those with multiple co-morbidities, this approach carries substantial risks, including prolonged recovery, complications, and increased mortality.
Given the patient’s fragile condition, doctors ruled out conventional surgery and opted for a motorised TAVI procedure, an advanced evolution of transcatheter valve replacement.
What Is Motorised TAVI?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a new valve is implanted without removing the diseased one. The motorised version of TAVI offers enhanced precision and control during valve deployment.
Unlike open-heart surgery, this procedure is performed through a tiny 1 cm puncture in the groin, allowing doctors to guide the valve to the heart through blood vessels.
According to Dr. Tanmay Kulkarni, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Jupiter Hospital, the motorised system allows the valve to be positioned with exceptional accuracy, reducing trauma to the heart and surrounding structures.
“The motorised TAVI procedure gives us superior technical control, enabling precise placement of the valve exactly where it needs to be,” he explained.
Faster Recovery, Better Outcomes
One of the most remarkable aspects of this case was the speed of recovery. Despite the complexity of the heart condition, the patient showed immediate improvement after the procedure. He was stable, mobile, and well enough to be discharged just two days after surgery.
Dr. Rajendra Patil, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, confirmed the patient’s excellent recovery, noting that he was admitted on November 23, underwent the procedure, and was fit for discharge by November 27.
This rapid recovery stands in sharp contrast to open-heart surgery, where hospital stays can extend to weeks and full recovery may take months.
A Beacon of Hope for High-Risk and Elderly Patients
“This procedure is the first of its kind in Pune,” said Dr. Kulkarni. “It offers a beacon of hope for elderly patients and those with co-morbidities who are not ideal candidates for invasive surgery. This technology ensures a safer treatment path and a much quicker return to normal life.”
The success of this motorised TAVI procedure highlights a significant shift in the landscape of cardiac care in India, where cutting-edge technology is making life-saving treatments accessible to patients once considered “inoperable.”
The Future of Cardiac Care in India
As heart disease continues to rise, especially among the elderly population, innovations like motorised TAVI are redefining what is possible in modern cardiology. Minimally invasive, precise, and patient-friendly, this technology represents the future of heart valve treatment.
With Pune now joining the list of cities offering this advanced procedure, many high-risk cardiac patients can look forward to safer surgeries, faster recovery, and a better quality of life.
Dr. Tanmay Kulkarni is a senior interventional cardiologist at Jupiter Hospital, Pune, with extensive expertise in advanced minimally invasive cardiac procedures. He is known for successfully performing complex high-risk interventions, including the city’s first motorised TAVI procedure.
To know more consult Dr. Tanmay Kulkarni, Cardiologist in Baner, Pune
By Steffy.Thevar @timesofindia.com
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