Health

Chennai Surgeon Crosses 300 Evolution® Medial-Pivot Knee Replacements in Under a Year, Championing Personalised Knee Replacement

deccanwebtv Jul 23, 2026

Chennai, 23rd July 2026 – Knee replacement surgery is entering a new era where restoring natural knee mechanics is becoming as important as relieving pain. Reflecting this shift, Dr. Vetri Kumar, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Parvathy Hospital, Chennai, has become the first surgeon in South Asia to complete more than 300 Total Knee Replacement procedures using the Evolution® Medial-Pivot Knee System in less than a year, establishing himself as a leading advocate of personalised knee replacement and kinematic alignment.
This milestone reflects growing confidence in an approach that prioritises restoring native knee kinematics rather than simply implanting a prosthesis.
Widely recognised for advancing evidence-based practices, Dr. Vetri believes every patient deserves an implant that respects individual anatomy instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. The patented Evolution® True Medial-Pivot philosophy is designed to recreate the stability and biomechanics of the native knee, enabling patients to return to active lifestyles and, in many cases, almost forget they have undergone knee replacement surgery—an outcome reflected in the increasingly recognised ‘Forgotten Joint Score’.
Unlike conventional knee designs that focus primarily on mechanical alignment, the Evolution® Medial-Pivot Knee reproduces native knee biomechanics by preserving physiologic medial stability while allowing natural rotational movement, supporting improved function, range of motion and long-term implant performance.
“Modern knee replacement is about far more than pain relief. Every knee is unique, and respecting that individuality helps deliver outcomes that feel natural and stable. With nearly 60 million Indians affected by osteoarthritis, many patients seek treatment only after years of pain. Our aim is to help them walk confidently, return to the activities they love and eventually forget they ever had a knee replacement,” said Dr. Vetri Kumar.
Dr. Mukesh Parmar, Managing Director & Senior General Manager – India and South Asia, MicroPort Orthopedics, said, “These 300 procedures represent 300 lives transformed through personalised arthroplasty. Dr. Vetri has demonstrated how innovation, backed by sound clinical philosophy, can restore natural knee function and improve quality of life. We are proud to partner with accomplished surgeons like Dr. Vetri, whose commitment to improving patient outcomes is helping shape the future of knee replacement in India.”

Dr. Vetri is also a Founding Member of the Personalised Arthroplasty Society (PAS) in India and an active member of its international community, mentoring surgeons and promoting globally proven techniques. He is now preparing to launch a dedicated Knee & Joint Replacement Centre in Chennai to expand access to advanced joint reconstruction and patient care.
As personalised knee replacement gains momentum worldwide, milestones like this reinforce India’s growing leadership in advanced joint replacement, benefiting both patients and the orthopaedic community.

Health

Kauvery Hospital Brings Multi-Speciality Robotic Surgery Under One Integrated Programme Across Its Chennai Hospitals

deccanwebtv Jul 22, 2026

Chennai, July 22, 2026: Kauvery Hospital launched ‘Kauvery 3X Chennai’, an integrated robotic surgery programme that brings together advanced robotic technology, comprehensive surgical expertise, and highly skilled multidisciplinary teams across all its three Chennai hospitals under uniform standards of care.

The robotic programmes will be offered based on the 4th generation da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, one of the most advanced technologies available in the world. The programme spans multiple disciplines including gastroenterology, oncology, urology, gynaecology and nephrology.

The hospital will leverage its expertise in robotic surgery for a wide spectrum of complex conditions including GI cancers, colorectal cancers, gynaecological cancers, breast cancers, urological cancers, fibroid surgery, hysterectomy, endometriosis treatment, ovarian procedures, prostate surgery, kidney surgery, kidney transplant, bladder procedures, reconstructive urological surgeries, thyroidectomy, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, colorectal surgery and advanced upper gastrointestinal procedures.

One of the program’s key highlights is Kauvery Hospital’s expertise in robotic kidney transplantation, reflecting the institution’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery and offering advanced solutions for some of the most complex surgical procedures.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said: “With ‘Kauvery 3X Chennai’, we are creating an integrated robotic surgery ecosystem that brings together advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and uniform standards of care across our three Chennai hospitals. Patients can now access comprehensive robotic care across multiple specialities closer to home and with the qualidefines consistency that define Kauvery.

This initiative reflects years of investment in clinical excellence, surgical innovation, and collaborative care. For us, advanced healthcare is not measured by the technology we own, but by how meaningfully it improves patient outcomes, enhances recovery, and expands treatment possibilities. ‘Kauvery 3X Chennai’ is a significant step towards making world-class robotic surgery more accessible to the communities we serve.”

Health

Two Years After Stem Cell Transplant, Survivor of Rare Blood Disease Meets His Donor

deccanwebtv Jul 22, 2026

Chennai, July 22, 2026: In a heart-touching tale, a 40-year-old man from Chennai met his stem cell donor who had saved him from a rare and life-threatening blood disease for the first time, almost two years after the transplantation.

DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, such as thalassemia and aplastic anaemia, helped the donor.

The survivor, Samnu John, a marketing manager by profession, has been suffering from unexplained high fevers, swelling, rashes, and crushing fatigue since 2017. The exact reason for the suffering was not determined for several years despite multiple hospital visits. When his blood platelet count fell dangerously low in January 2022, he was rushed to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH). He was then diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia, a condition in which the bone marrow stops producing sufficient platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.

Since stem cell transplantation is the ideal solution to save the patient, without which the patient might die, the medical team started searching for a suitable donor. No one in his family and friends circle was the right match. After 18 long months, an ideal match was found with 25-year-old Paritosh, a resident of New Delhi. Subsequently, a team headed by Dr Aruna Rajendran, Haemato-Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Madras Medical College/RGGGH, performed the transplantation to restore normal blood cell production.

Samnu has since made a full recovery and resumed his work as a marketing manager.

In her comments, Dr Aruna said, “Aplastic anaemia is a rare and life-threatening blood disease which can lead to bone marrow failure. It will leave patients vulnerable to infections, uncontrolled bleeding, and exhaustion. A stem cell transplant is the only curative option for these patients. It had taken us almost 18 months to find the exact match for him. I am glad to see him fully recovered from his condition. There are several other patients who are still struggling to find a suitable match. Along with science, we also need a proper system and awareness to make stem cell transplantation possible.”

Recalling the ordeals he went through for years, Samnu said, “I had to quit two of my jobs because of my severe symptoms. Survival itself was difficult both before and after diagnosis. I was scared both for myself and my family. I was tired of waiting for my donor. It was during those darkest days that we managed to find the right match through the DKMS Foundation.”

Paritosh, a long-time blood donor, had signed up with DKMS Foundation India years earlier after hearing about a family desperately searching for a donor for their own loved one. He least expected that he would receive a call requesting him to donate stem cells.

Paritosh said: “I felt a deep sense of responsibility when I got the call. Just like everyone else, even I thought stem cell donation required an open surgery and long recovery. But that’s not the case. Stem cells are collected from our arms. I hope this meeting debunks the myths around stem cell donation.”

Paritosh, who had flown from New Delhi for the meeting, said, “I have thought about him every day since I got that call. Seeing him healthy, working, and living his life with his children is all I ever hoped for.”

Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman, DKMS Foundation India, said, “Patients in Tamil Nadu face distinct genetic and socio-economic barriers in finding a match. When more people from Tamil Nadu register as potential stem cell donors, especially from under-represented communities, we don’t just improve match probabilities on a registry spreadsheet but also change the odds for every child and adult waiting for a transplant.”

Through Samnu and Paritosh’s story, DKMS Foundation India hopes to raise awareness of severe aplastic anaemia and encourage more people to register as blood stem cell donors, a simple process that can one day give someone a second chance at life.

Since matched sibling donors are very scarce, many rely on unrelated donor registries like the one maintained by DKMS Foundation India to find a genetic match. Individuals aged between 18 and 55 years who are in good general health, have a BMI below 40, and are not already registered are eligible to sign up as potential blood stem cell donors. Register at https://www.dkms-india.org/register-now

Health

Rela Hospital Successfully Restores Shoulder Function in a 97-Year-Old Through India’s First Fully Awake Keyhole Surgery with a Biodegradable Balloon Implant

deccanwebtv Jul 22, 2026

Chennai, July 21, 2026: Rela Hospital successfully restored shoulder function and relieved pain in a 97-year-old male with a massive and irreparable rotator cuff tear by performing a keyhole (arthroscopic) procedure to implant a fully biodegradable balloon spacer. The patient had sustained the injury following a fall at home. Considering his advanced age and frail cardiac condition, the surgical team avoided general anaesthesia and performed the procedure under a regional nerve block, with the patient remaining fully awake throughout the surgery.

Thanks to the minimally invasive nature of the surgery, the nanogenarian walked out of the hospital within two days of the procedure, following a routine post-operative stay in the general ward, early arm support, and a series of physiotherapy sessions.

A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, much like a cuff around the wrist. These structures keep the ball of the shoulder securely within its socket and facilitate movements such as lifting and rotating the arm. The senior citizen had sustained a tear in the rotator cuff of his left shoulder following the fall and continued to experience persistent pain for nearly a month. He was unable to lift or use his left arm, and despite rest and conservative treatment, the pain and weakness progressively worsened.

The Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine specialists at the hospital performed the procedure using the InSpace™ biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer, the only minimally invasive, dissolvable spacer specifically designed for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. In this procedure, a small, deflated balloon is inserted, through tiny holes, into the space beneath the shoulder bone and gently inflated with sterile saline. The balloon acts as a smooth cushion, keeping the ball of the shoulder properly centred within its socket, thereby restoring the joint’s natural spacing and gliding mechanism. This enables the patient to lift and move the arm without the painful bone-on-bone friction. Over several months, the balloon gradually and harmlessly dissolves on its own, by which time the shoulder adapts to a more comfortable and balanced pattern of movement. No permanent implants, screws or anchors are left behind.

In his comments, Dr. Ashok S. Gavaskar, Clinical Lead, Orthopaedics and Head of Joint Replacement Services, Rela Hospital, said, “In this patient, the rotator cuff tear was massive. A large portion of the tendon had torn away from the bone. Because the tear was extensive and the weakened tissues had retracted, a conventional tendon repair was not feasible. Managing such a massive tear in a 97-year-old patient is both uncommon and challenging. Shoulder arthroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthesia. But the patient’s advanced age and underlying cardiac condition made this approach potentially risky. We therefore carried out the entire procedure with the patient fully awake under an interscalene nerve block, a targeted regional anaesthetic technique that completely numbs the shoulder while keeping the patient comfortable and conscious throughout the surgery. This enabled us to avoid the risks associated with general anaesthesia in a nonagenarian and facilitate a faster and safer recovery.”

Dr. Prakash Ayyadurai, Consultant – Orthopaedics Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine, Rela Hospital who headed the surgical team, said, “rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder disorders and become increasingly prevalent with advancing age. They represent a significant and growing healthcare burden in India’s ageing population. Studies from India suggest that approximately one in five adults over the age of 40 has some degree of rotator cuff tear, with the prevalence rising sharply with each advancing decade. Full-thickness tears are seen in nearly 10-11% of this population.”

“Age remains the single most important risk factor, as the tendons naturally weaken and undergo degenerative changes over time. Against this background of age-related wear and tear, even a seemingly minor fall can be sufficient to cause a major tear. Other factors that increase the risk include diabetes, hypertension, smoking and a lifetime of repetitive overhead activities,” he added.

In his comments, Prof. Mohammed Rela, Chairman, Rela Hospital, said, “Performing this procedure while the patient remained fully awake at the age of 97 is a notable achievement. It exemplifies personalised, age-appropriate surgical care. This case reflects the modern, tissue-sparing direction of shoulder surgery, where an irreparable rotator cuff tear can be effectively treated using a biodegradable balloon spacer rather than major open reconstruction or joint replacement.

Importantly, this case demonstrates that persistent shoulder pain and a ‘dead arm’ are not conditions that elderly patients simply have to live with. Advanced age and underlying cardiac concerns need not be barriers to effective, life-improving treatment when the right minimally invasive technique is matched to the right patient. Modern keyhole surgical techniques, combined with tailored anaesthetic approaches, now enable even patients in their 90s to undergo surgery safely and benefit significantly. We encourage patients not to delay seeking specialist advice. An early and honest assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment options and what can realistically be achieved.”

Health

SIMS Hospital Treats Spinal Compression in 84-Year-Old with Pacemaker Through Single-Incision Endoscopic Surgery

deccanwebtv Jul 14, 2026

SIMS Hospital Treats Spinal Compression in 84-Year-Old with Pacemaker Through Single-Incision Endoscopic Surgery

Chennai, July 14, 2026: Averting the need for traditional open spine surgery, expert orthopaedic surgeons at SIMS Hospital successfully performed an advanced single-incision endoscopic procedure on an 84-year-old patient with multi-level spinal stenosis and degenerative scoliosis, a spinal deformity that had caused severe lumbar nerve compression and left him unable to walk. The advanced uniportal endoscopic spine procedure, performed through an 8 mm incision, relieved the compression and enabled the patient to regain mobility and get back on his feet.

The surgery was particularly challenging for several reasons. The patient’s severe degenerative scoliosis had significantly distorted the normal alignment of the spine and narrowed the spaces surrounding the spinal nerves. This anatomical distortion made the uniportal endoscopic spine surgery technically demanding, requiring exceptional precision to safely navigate the compressed neural structures through a single 8 mm portal.

The patient’s pre-existing cardiac condition added another layer of complexity. He had previously undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and had a permanent cardiac pacemaker. These factors increased both surgical and anaesthetic risks, necessitating meticulous multidisciplinary planning and seamless intraoperative coordination to ensure patient safety while achieving effective nerve decompression.

The procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. G. Venkatesh Kumar and Dr. Vignesh Jayabalan, Senior Consultants in Orthopaedics, along with a cardiologist.

In his comments, Dr. Venkatesh Kumar said, “The patient presented with severe functional limitations. He suffered from debilitating leg pain and was unable to walk more than a few steps. Our evaluation revealed severe degenerative scoliosis, a spinal deformity that had caused significant nerve compression in the lumbar region. Traditionally, patients with this condition often require extensive deformity correction surgery using pedicle screws and rods. However, advances in spine surgery enabled us to perform a full endoscopic uniportal lumbar stenosis decompression through a single 8 mm incision. The procedure successfully relieved the nerve compression, and the patient was mobilised pain-free shortly afterwards.”

Dr. Vignesh Jayabalan commented, “One of the biggest advantages of this advanced endoscopic technique over conventional open spine surgery is that it achieves the desired outcome with minimal disruption to normal tissues. The procedure involves negligible blood loss, no muscle stripping, less postoperative pain, no sutures, faster recovery, and precise decompression of the pain-generating pathology while preserving the spine’s normal anatomy. Our philosophy is simple: to preserve the spine’s natural supporting structures while removing only the diseased tissue responsible for nerve compression and pain.”

Dr Vijay C Bose, Joint Director and Senior Consultant, Department of Orthopaedics said, “Medical knowledge in orthopaedics is vast, and research continues to expand it further. It’s impossible for one person to be an expert in everything. At SIMS, we have five sub-units under the Department of Orthopaedics. Each unit focuses on a specific area such as joint replacements, sports injuries, trauma, and foot and ankle conditions. Very few institutions across the country have this kind of in-house expertise, and we are fortunate to be one of them. In this context, this particular case marks a breakthrough in spine surgery.”

Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman of SIMS Hospital, said, “This case exemplifies SIMS Hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centric care through innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration. With only a handful of specialists in the city performing uniportal endoscopic spine surgery, we are proud to offer patients access to cutting-edge treatment that enables faster recovery, reduced surgical trauma, and an early return to mobility. We remain committed to investing in advanced technologies and clinical excellence to provide world-class care, even for the most complex cases.”

Health

Rotary Club of Madras East Donates State-of-the-Art Neonatal Ambulance to Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital

deccanwebtv Jun 26, 2026

Chennai. June 26, 2026: The Rotary Club of Madras East (RID 3234), in association with the Rotary Club of Irvine and Rotary district 5320, Irvine, USA, inaugurated Project SHISHU (Global Grant #2683839) – a Rotary Global Grant project marking the donation of a state-of-the-art Neonatal Ambulance to the Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Nungambakkam, Chennai. The inauguration ceremony was held at the hospital premises on 26th June 2026. This ambulance is to safely move critically ill newborn babies to the hospital.

The ambulance was handed over by Rtn AKS Er Muruganandam M (MMM), the Chief Guest, RI Vice President 2026-27 and RI Director 2025-27, and Chairman of Excel Group of Companies in the presence of The Guest of Honour, Rtn AKS Vinod Saraogi, District Governor, RID 3234 and many Rotarians.

Dr. Janani Sankar, Medical Director, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital expressed her gratitude to Rotary Club of Madras East for their kind gesture and added that the ambulance is fully equipped to manage critically ill neonates while being transported from other hospitals to our NICU. This Ambulance, valued at ₹72 lakhs, is equipped with a transport incubator, neonatal ventilator and advanced life support systems, bringing NICU level care directly to newborns during transport. Designed as a “Neonatal ICU on wheels”, this ambulance ensures uninterrupted critical care for the sick extreme premature neonates as +early as 24 weeks and neonates weighing less than 600 grams from the moment they leave the hospital till they reach our NICU, especially involving long distance inter-state transports. Our NICU is a State-of-the-Art centre which deals with many challenging neonatal problems. Neonates as low as 600 gms are treated in our NICU and we provide 24/7 coverage and care by trained Neonatologists.

Speaking at the event Rtn Balaji Sreenivasan, President – RC of Madras East said: Since our charter in 1985, RCME has stood as a pillar of community service in Chennai. With 200 committed Rotarians, the club has always believed that true service means reaching those who need it most. Project SHISHU is a proud reflection of that belief – a neonatal ambulance that will ensure no newborn loses the battle simply because help arrived too late. At RCME, we do many projects with focus on maternal and child health, women empowerment, and youth services to name a few”

He further highlighted RCME’s extensive work in healthcare, including initiatives focused on neonatal care, paediatric cardiac surgeries, cancer care, vision restoration, mental health, and community wellness.

Project SHISHU – an acronym reflecting the Rotary commitment to the well-being of newborns – addresses one of the most critical challenges in neonatal healthcare: the safe transfer of critically ill newborns. The donated neonatal ambulance is equipped with advanced life-support systems purpose-built for neo-natal care, enabling the safe transport of premature and critically ill infants to and from the CHILDS Trust Hospital.

Project SHISHU is funded through Rotary International’s prestigious Global Grant mechanism (Grant #2683839), made possible through an international partnership between the Rotary Club of Madras East (RID 3234, Chennai) and the Rotary Club of Irvine (USA). The project reflects the power of cross-border Rotary collaboration in delivering high-impact humanitarian outcomes.

For further information contact: Sankar Ramani, KKCTH – 94422-00444

Health

Kauvery Hospital Chennai & Lions District 3241C Launches Mobile Mammogram to Improve Access to Early Breast Cancer Screening

deccanwebtv Jun 26, 2026

25th June 2026, Chennai: Kauvery Hospital successfully launched its Mobile Mammogram Unit, a CSR initiative in association with Lions Club of Chennai KVG Charitable Trust and Lions District 3241 C. The dedicated mammography van aims to improve access to early screening, especially for women who may face challenges in visiting a hospital or diagnostic centre for routine mammograms. By bringing screening services into communities, the mobile unit will support timely detection and encourage greater awareness about breast health.

The Mammogram van was flagged off by Thiru P Venkatramanan, Hon’ble Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Tamil Nadu.

The Mobile Mammogram Unit is equipped to provide digital mammography screening in a convenient and accessible setting. It will travel to residential areas, workplaces, community centres, and other locations across suburban and urban regions, helping women prioritize preventive health.

In addition to digital mammography for breast cancer screening, the mobile unit will also offer Pap smear and Colposcopy services, making it an all-in-one women’s wellness unit focused on preventive screening and early diagnosis. Pap smear tests help screen for early changes in the cervix that may indicate cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions, while colposcopy allows for a closer examination of the cervix when further evaluation is required. The unit will also have women consultants and radiologists from Kauvery Hospital, who will counsel women on the findings and advise them on the next steps, wherever required.

Speaking at the launch, PMJF Lion S Bose, District Governor 3241 C, Lions International said, “Breast cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers affecting women in Tamil Nadu. Due to lack of awareness and access many women do not get screened at the right time. Through this initiative we aim to bring screening closer to women in urban , semi urban and rural areas. We are pleased to collaborate with Kauvery Hospital, one of the leading healthcare chains in Tamil Nadu.”

Speaking on the prevalence of breast cancer, Dr Sujay Susikar Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgeon said, “State cancer registry data shows that breast cancer is the leading cancer among women, highlighting the urgent need for timely screening and early detection. With the latest advancements in cancer treatments , breast cancer is now treatable when detected early. Many women delay diagnosis due to lack of access and awareness. With this Mobile Mammogram Unit, we are taking screening closer to women helping them detect concerns early, seek timely treatment, and improve outcomes.”

Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Hospital, said, “This initiative reflects Kauvery’s commitment to building healthier communities through care that is accessible, proactive, and inclusive. The Mobile Mammogram Unit is not just a screening service; it is a step towards reducing barriers, creating awareness, and empowering women to take charge of their health. By taking healthcare closer to communities, we hope to make preventive care a regular and trusted part of everyday life. We are pleased to associate with Lions International for this noble initiative. ”

Kauvery Hospital will conduct scheduled screening camps through the mobile unit in the coming weeks, with a focus on reaching communities where access to early screening may be limited.

Health

MGM Healthcare Achieves India’s First LVAD Heart Pump Implant in Nearly 80-Year-Old Heart Failure Patient

deccanwebtv May 21, 2026

Chennai, May 21, 2026: Setting a first-of-its-kind milestone in cardiac care in India, MGM Healthcare has successfully implanted a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mechanical heart pump, in a nearly 80-year-old retired Chennai resident suffering from advanced heart failure and co-morbidities including low blood pressure, worsening kidney function, and lung congestion.

The patient’s heart had become too weak to pump enough blood to the rest of the body, the vital function performed by the left ventricle. This condition is known as left ventricular failure, or advanced left ventricular systolic heart failure. As a result, he frequently suffered severe breathlessness and required repeated ICU admissions. On one occasion, he had to be readmitted to the ICU on the very same day he was discharged from the hospital. Seeking a permanent solution to his recurring breathlessness and the underlying heart condition, the patient opted for advanced definitive treatment.

Considering his advanced age, fragile clinical condition and worsening kidney function, the medical team ruled out heart transplantation and instead opted for implantation of a LVAD. The device sits inside the left ventricle and takes over much of the pumping function.

The LVAD implantation was performed by the team lead Dr. K R Balakrishnan, Chairman- Cardiac Sciences, Director- Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & mechanical Circulatory Support and Dr. Suresh Rao K G, Co- Director- Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & mechanical Circulatory Support at MGM Healthcare. The intervention was successful, following which the patient recovered in hospital for three weeks before being discharged. He is now living independently, able to go for regular walks and leading an active, brisk life.

In his comments, Dr. K R Balakrishnan said, “Our heart works as a two-sided pump, the right side sends blood to the lungs, while the left side pumps blood to the rest of the body. In this patient, the left side had become extremely weak and was barely able to perform its function, which is why he was experiencing frequent breathlessness and repeated hospitalisations. A conventional heart transplant was not feasible because of his advanced age, fragile condition and worsening kidney function. Even LVAD implantation carried significant risk, as multiple organs were beginning to fail. We therefore carried out a comprehensive evaluation, including heart function studies, lung pressure assessment, and checks of all major organs from the kidneys to the brain. Although LVAD is usually an elective procedure, in his case there was little time to wait as his organs were deteriorating, making timely intervention critical. We are extremely happy that the procedure went well.”

In his comments, Dr. Suresh Rao said, “LVAD technology was originally introduced as a bridge-to-transplant option for very sick patients awaiting a donor heart. Today, it is also being used selectively as a long-term therapy for patients who may not undergo transplantation. While the hospital has implanted LVADs in many patients below 65 years of age, this is the first time it has performed the procedure in a patient close to 80 years old.

In his comments Mr. Nilesh Mundada, COO, MGM Healthcare & Sr. VP – Finance, MGM Group, said, “MGM Healthcare’s commitment has reflected the milestone of pushing past the boundaries of advanced cardiac care as well as bringing in life-saving innovations to patients. The successful implanting of LVAD in a nearly 80-year-old patient, who had an advanced heart failure, emphasizes the strength of our experts. As heart failure continues to emerge as a growing health challenge, we will remain committed to delivering world-class treatment solutions that help us improve the outcomes and give patients renewed hope and quality of life.

Health

India’s First Right Shoulder-Artery Heart Valve Replacement Performed at SRM Prime Hospital

deccanwebtv Apr 3, 2026

Chennai, April 2 2026: In a first in India, SRM Prime Hospital performed an Alternate Access Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation (TAVR/TAVI), a minimally invasive heart valve replacement procedure, through the artery under the right shoulder (right axillary artery), instead of the standard leg artery route, to save a 73-year-old patient with calcific severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the heart valve narrows due to calcium deposits, restricting blood flow from the heart to the body.

The patient, a retired professional, was discharged the third day after the procedure, and is now able to resume normal daily activities as before.

TAVR/TAVI procedure is used to replace a diseased aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery. Doctors deliver an artificial valve through a thin tube inserted into a blood vessel (artery) and position it within the narrowed valve to restore normal blood flow. The most common route is through the artery in the leg. However, in this patient, all conventional access routes proved to be unsuitable due to vascular limitations such as narrowing, blockages, or unfavorable anatomy of the blood vessels. As a result, doctors opted for the right axillary artery.

The Procedure was led by Dr. Balamurugan S, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology and supported by Dr. A. Thomas George, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine & Diabetology, Dr. P Balasubramanian, Senior Consultant – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Dr. A. B. Gopalamurugan, Procedure Proctor, Cardiac Anesthetists and Critical Care Intensivist.

In his comments Dr. Balamurugan, said, “The patient exhibited features of decompensated heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump effectively. Our evaluation confirmed calcific severe aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve caused by calcium deposits that restrict blood flow. Given his age and condition, we opted for TAVR/TAVI; however, none of the standard access routes such as femoral, transcarotid, transcaval or Left subclavian, were feasible. The only viable option was the right axillary artery. We therefore performed this entirely percutaneous right trans-axillary TAVR, an India-first, using an advanced catheter-based valve delivery system.”

He further added, “Modern treatments like TAVR provide safe and minimally invasive options, as there is less surgical trauma and faster recovery options, especially for elderly patients or those at high risk for open-heart surgery. In this case, it required advanced pre-procedure planning and precise catheter manipulation due to the tortuous course of the artery, along with expertise in alternative vascular access techniques. We are happy that our team, with utmost dedication to the quality outcome, performed the first of the kind procedure in India, and saved the senior citizen’s life.”

In his comments Dr. A. Thomas George said, “Patients undergoing advanced procedures like TAVR are often elderly and have multiple underlying health conditions that need careful medical management. Our focus is on optimising these conditions and ensuring the patient remains stable throughout the treatment journey.”

Aortic stenosis is primarily a disease of the elderly, with an incidence of about 2-7% in people above 65 years. It is usually caused by age-related valve degeneration and can also occur in conditions like chronic kidney disease. While age-related degeneration cannot always be prevented, risk can be reduced by controlling blood pressure and managing cholesterol. Regular cardiac check-ups, especially after age 60, is important.

People should not ignore early warning signs such as fatigue during mild exertion, breathlessness, chest discomfort, and fainting spells. These symptoms may indicate serious valve disease. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and helps prevent complications such as heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

Health

MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar Removes Congenital Lung Defect in One-Year-Old Using Minimally Invasive Surgery

deccanwebtv Mar 17, 2026

Chennai, March 17 2026: MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar has successfully performed a Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive procedure, on a one-year-old girl to remove a congenitally developed non-functional portion of the lung (the lower lobe of the left lung) which posed a potential risk of severe respiratory complications, recurrent infections, or bleeding in the future, and could also have adversely affected heart function.

The condition, known as bronchopulmonary sequestration – a congenital malformation of the airway and lung – was diagnosed during fetal development and closely monitored until the child turned one year old, allowing doctors to plan the surgery safely for optimal outcomes. The condition is rare, accounting for only about 2% of congenital lung anomalies. The successful use of VATS to treat bronchopulmonary sequestration marks a first-of-its-kind achievement in Chennai.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Karpaga Vinayagam, Senior Consultant – Paediatric Surgery, who led a team including Dr. Mohan Raj, Consultant – Paediatric Surgery; Dr. Prabhakaran G, Senior Consultant, Paediatrics; Dr.Arun Kumar S, Lead Consultant – Neonatology, Dr. N.K.V. Vigneshwar, Associate Consultant – Neonatology, Dr. Vidhya Mohanram, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesia; and the multidisciplinary ICU team.

The procedure lasted approximately three and a half hours. During surgery, the team carefully removed the affected lower lobe of the left lung and ligated the abnormal blood supply from the aorta to the diseased segment.

In his comments, Dr. Karpaga Vinayagam said, “This was a particularly challenging surgery because the bronchopulmonary sequestration was located entirely within the left lung lobe and had a major blood supply directly from the aorta. Performing the procedure thoracoscopically in a child is technically demanding due to the limited space in the chest cavity. However, we opted for it, as this minimally invasive approach could mean less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery compared to conventional open surgery.”

The child’s recovery has been remarkable. She was monitored in the ICU, shifted to the ward after two hours, and discharged within three days. Paediatric lungs continue to grow until around nine years of age, allowing the remaining lung to compensate for the removed lower lobe. She is expected to lead a normal, healthy life.

In his comments, Mr. Venugopal Bhat, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President – Group Strategic Initiatives, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, said, “This successful surgery demonstrates our commitment to advanced paediatric surgical care and highlights our focus on minimally invasive techniques that ensure faster recovery and better outcomes for our patients.”