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October 11, 2026

Health

Kauvery Hospitals Highlights Importance of Early Access to Level I Trauma Care on World Head Injury Awareness Day

Chennai, March 17, 2026: Marking World Head Injury Awareness Day (March 20), the Kauvery Group of Hospitals emphasised the critical importance of rapid access to Level I Trauma Care Centres for patients suffering from severe head injuries and other life-threatening trauma. Thiru K Shankar, IPS, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, graced the occasion.

Head injury refers to trauma affecting the scalp, skull or brain, most commonly caused by road traffic accidents, falls, sports injuries or assaults. Globally, more than 50 million people sustain head injuries each year, while in India the estimated incidence is around 1.5 million annually, with nearly 60% resulting from road traffic accidents.

Trauma care facilities are categorised into four levels depending on the expertise and infrastructure available. Level I Trauma Care Centres represent the highest level of emergency care, equipped to manage the most complex and severe injuries.

Addressing the media, Dr Krish Sridhar, Group Mentor – Neurosciences and Director, Institute of Brain & Spine, Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, said that timely and specialised trauma care plays a decisive role in saving lives. “Head injury is one of the most serious consequences of trauma, particularly in road traffic accidents. The outcome for the patient depends greatly on how quickly they reach a Level I Trauma Care Centre where specialised teams and advanced facilities are available round-the-clock. Early access to such centres during the golden hour can significantly improve survival and neurological recovery,” he noted.

In his comments, Dr Ranganathan Jothi, Chief – Brain & Spine Surgeon and Director of Neurosciences, Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani, said, “Many serious head injuries require urgent neurosurgical intervention. In patients with traumatic brain injury, conditions such as intracranial bleeding or brain swelling can deteriorate rapidly if not treated promptly. Immediate access to neurosurgical expertise, advanced imaging and intensive care – all available in a Level I Trauma Care Centre – can make the difference between life and death or between full recovery and long-term disability.”

Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, commented: “World Head Injury Awareness Day is an important reminder of the growing burden of trauma in our society. Strengthening trauma systems and ensuring that patients are transported quickly to advanced trauma centres is critical. Across the Kauvery network, our trauma teams are equipped to provide comprehensive emergency care so that patients receive timely treatment during the most critical moments.”

Kauvery Hospitals manages hundreds of trauma and head injury cases every year, particularly across its advanced facilities in Chennai, including Alwarpet, Radial Road and Vadapalani, where specialised neurosurgical and trauma teams function round-the-clock.

Across the Kauvery network, Level I Trauma Care Centres are equipped with: 24×7 availability of neurosurgeons, trauma surgeons, emergency physicians and critical care specialists; advanced imaging facilities, including CT and MRI; dedicated trauma resuscitation teams; immediate access to operating theatres for emergency surgery; specialised neuro-critical care and intensive care units, and multidisciplinary teams capable of managing complex polytrauma cases.

To further support emergency response, Kauvery Hospital has strengthened its advanced ambulance network and introduced an SOS feature in the Kauvery Kare mobile application, enabling users to quickly request emergency assistance and ambulance transport to the nearest trauma care facility. Through continued awareness initiatives and advanced trauma care systems, Kauvery aims to improve survival and reduce long-term disability among patients with severe head injuries.

10th Edition of CAHOCON 2026 to Bring 2,500 Healthcare Leaders to Chennai to Advance Patient Safety

Chennai, 12 March, 2026: The 10th edition of CAHOCON 2026, India’s premier healthcare quality conference organised by the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), will be held from April 10 to 12, 2026, in Chennai, bringing together 2,500 healthcare leaders, clinicians, administrators, and policymakers – including over 200 international delegates, to discuss advancements in patient safety, healthcare quality, accreditation, and digital transformation.

Guided by the theme ‘Tech. Touch. Trust – The New Healthcare Code’, CAHOCON 2026 will emphasise the human connection, reliability, and innovation at the heart of advancing healthcare quality and patient safety. The main conference will feature high-impact scientific sessions, panel discussions, innovation showcases, and interactive networking opportunities, along with poster presentations by researchers and clinicians that highlight innovative projects and foster knowledge exchange.

Alongside the conference, CAHOCON 2026 will host a comprehensive healthcare exhibition with around 150 stalls, showcasing cutting-edge products and services from leading medical equipment manufacturers, digital health companies, pharmaceutical firms, and service providers. The conference will also feature three breakout houses, designed to facilitate smaller group discussions, interactive workshops, and focused learning sessions.

Recognised by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) as the first ISQua Regional Conference for South Asia, CAHOCON 2026 will witness addresses by 20 ISQua experts. The conference will honour excellence in healthcare quality and patient safety through the prestigious CAHO Awards, celebrating institutions and professionals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing healthcare standards.

The pre-conference workshops on April 10 will bring together 32 leading hospitals from Chennai, providing hands-on training and practical insights into quality improvement and patient safety.

Addressing a press meet, Dr. Vijay Agarwal, President, CAHO, said, “Over the past decade, CAHO has evolved into a powerful national movement dedicated to strengthening healthcare quality and patient safety across India. Through continuous training, accreditation support, knowledge-sharing platforms and collaborative initiatives, we are working to build a culture where quality and safety are embedded in every aspect of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General, CAHO, and AGS & Quality Manager at Christian Medical College, Vellore, commented: “CAHOCON has grown into one of the most influential platforms for advancing healthcare quality and patient safety in India. It brings together clinicians, hospital administrators, quality professionals and policymakers to exchange ideas, share best practices and learn from global experiences. Through this collaborative forum, we aim to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare systems and ensure that patients across the country benefit from safer and higher-quality care.”

In his address, Dr. S. Manivannan, Org. Co-Chairperson, CAHOCON 2026 and Founder & Managing Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said: “CAHOCON 2026 is set to be a landmark gathering for healthcare professionals from across the country, bringing together clinicians, administrators, researchers, and innovators under one roof. This year’s event will feature pre-conference workshops, high-impact scientific sessions, and panel discussions designed to address the latest advancements and challenges in healthcare. Our attendees will gain unparalleled opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, while also exploring practical solutions that can be implemented in their institutions.”

Dr. Sathish Devadoss, Org. Secretary, CAHOCON 2026 and Vice Chairman of Devadoss Multispecialty Hospitals, Madurai, said: “CAHOCON 2026 will feature a dynamic array of scientific sessions, covering the latest breakthroughs, clinical practices, and emerging technologies in healthcare. Our pre-conference workshops are designed to offer hands-on learning experiences, equipping participants with practical skills and innovative approaches that can be applied immediately in their practice. From expert-led lectures to interactive panel discussions, the event promises to stimulate meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and provide attendees with actionable insights to enhance patient care and drive excellence in healthcare delivery.”

In his remarks, Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Academic Committee, CAHOCON 2026 & CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said: “CAHOCON 2026 brings together a distinguished lineup of speakers, including leading clinicians, researchers, and healthcare innovators. There will be 20 international speakers including Dr Eyal Zimlichman – Deputy Director General & Chief Quality Officer, Sheba Medical Center, Israel; ISQua Academy Member, and Prof David Bates – Chief, Division of General Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, USA, who will share their expertise and experiences. The event also attracts a diverse group of participants, from hospital administrators to frontline practitioners, creating a vibrant environment for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. This convergence of minds ensures that every attendee gains fresh perspectives, practical insights, and the inspiration to implement best practices in their own institutions.”

CAHOCON 2026 has Dr. Nalla G Palaniswami, Chairman of Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital, as Org. Chairperson, and Dr. Gurushankar, Chairman of Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, as one of the Org. Co-Chairpersons.

The press meet was attended also by Mr Adel J, FLAB Healthcare; Dr Arjun, New Medical Centre, Puducherry; Dr V.V. Jaichandran, Sankara Nethralaya; Ms Sandhya Cherian, Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Chennai; Dr Raju Sivasamy V P, SIMS Hospital, Dr Ashokan and Dr Babu Narayanan, GEM Hospital; Ms Gayathri Sandeep, Seethapathy Clinic; Dr Lasya Thambidurai, St. Peters Medical College; Dr Sudagar Singh, SRMC; Mr Venkat Phanidhar, Shasta Healthcare Solutions; Dr Jothi Clara, Healthbridge Company; Mr Mohammed Farouk, Rela Hospital, and Dr Balamurugan, Dr. Muthus Hospital.

SIMS Hospital Saves 65-Year-Old Scholar Requiring Over 250 shocks


SIMS Hospital Saves 65-Year-Old Scholar Requiring Over 250 shocks with Advanced Electrophysiological Intervention After Repeat Bypass Surgery

Chennai, March 11, 2026: SIMS Hospital saved the life of a 65-year-old religious scholar who developed a life-threatening ventricular tachycardia (VT) storm following a complex redo coronary artery bypass grafting. The patient required over 250 electric shocks over five days to control the dangerous heart rhythm before doctors finally stabilised him with a complex ablation procedure performed from both inside and outside the heart. To prevent future heart rhythm disturbances, doctors later implanted an Automated Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator, a device that can automatically detect and terminate dangerous heart rhythms.

The patient had previously undergone coronary artery bypass grafting in 2012 at another hospital. In recent months, he developed persistent chest pain and breathlessness. Investigations including coronary angiography revealed that multiple coronary arteries were critically blocked and the earlier bypass grafts had also failed. Echocardiography showed that the patient’s heart pumping function had dropped to around 27%, and doctors also identified a scarred, calcified bulge in the lower part of the heart.

Considering the failure of the earlier bypass grafts and the severely reduced blood supply to the heart, the surgical team, headed by Dr. V. V. Bashi, Director and Head of SIMS Institute of Cardiac & Aortic Disorders, performed a high-risk redo Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery to create new pathways for blood to flow to the heart by bypassing blocked coronary arteries.

However, about 24 hours after the surgery, the patient developed recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia, a dangerously rapid rhythm originating from the lower chambers of the heart. The abnormal heart rhythm was extremely dangerous and did not respond to standard treatments, including medications and specialised nerve-blocking procedures used to control severe rhythm disturbances. To restore normal rhythm and prevent cardiac arrest, the patient required repeated direct-current (DC) cardioversion shocks.

Although ventricular arrhythmias occurring shortly after bypass surgery usually resolve within 48 hours as heart function stabilises, the patient continued to experience incessant VT beyond five days. This condition, known as VT storm, required about 50 defibrillator shocks per day, amounting to nearly 250 shocks overall. Continuous monitoring was maintained in the intensive care unit, where a cardiologist and nursing staff remained at the patient’s bedside to deliver immediate shocks whenever the arrhythmia occurred.

Subsequently, an electrophysiology team led by Dr. Sanjai P. V, Clinical Lead – Cardiac Electrophysiology and Advanced Cardiac Pacing, conducted advanced electro-physiological evaluation and proceeded with emergency ventricular tachycardia ablation, a procedure to identify and treat abnormal electrical circuits responsible for the rhythm crisis. Initially, doctors performed the ablation procedure from inside the main pumping chamber of the heart to eliminate the abnormal electrical signals arising from scarred areas. However, some of the faulty signals were coming from the outer surface of the heart. Reaching this area was challenging because previous heart surgeries had caused the heart to stick closely to the surrounding tissues. To overcome this, doctors used a minimally invasive hybrid approach, creating a limited “keyhole” incision to deliver radiofrequency energy on the outer surface of the heart and eliminate the remaining arrhythmogenic circuits.

Following successful ablation, the patient remained in the hospital for nearly a month, including 15 days in the intensive care unit. He remained free from further VT episodes and was discharged in stable condition. One month after the procedure, the patient returned to the outpatient department and underwent implantation of an Automated Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (AICD) to protect him from future malignant arrhythmias. This small device continuously monitors the heart rhythm and automatically delivers an internal shock if a dangerous rhythm recurs, thereby preventing sudden cardiac death. Currently, the patient is doing well.

In his comments, Dr. Bashi said that redo CABG itself is a complex surgical undertaking, particularly in patients with prior bypass surgeries and severely impaired heart function. However, given the patient’s progressive graft failure and severely reduced pumping capacity, surgery was the only definitive treatment option. “In my experience of nearly 45 years, this is the first time I have seen a patient requiring such a large number of defibrillator shocks continuously over five days and still recovering successfully,” he added.

Dr. Sanjai commented that the patient developed a rare and life-threatening VT storm following surgery. The arrhythmia originated from scarred regions within the left ventricle, including a heavily calcified area. Using advanced 3D mapping, we were able to identify the abnormal circuits and eliminate them through a combined endocardial-epicardial ablation approach.

Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre Launches Genomic Lifestyle Counselling (GLC) – Marking a New Era in Precision Medicine

Chennai, March 7, 2026: Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, one of Asia’s largest and most respected diabetes care networks today announced the launch of its Genomic Lifestyle Counselling (GLC) program, a pioneering initiative designed to integrate genetic insights with personalized lifestyle interventions for the prevention and management of metabolic diseases.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman emphasized that healthcare is rapidly transitioning from a generalized approach to precision-based care. He stated that genomic science now enables clinicians to understand individual susceptibility to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. By leveraging genetic profiling, interventions can be tailored with greater accuracy, improving outcomes and long-term disease prevention.

Dr. Mohan highlighted that India faces a significant and growing burden of diabetes and obesity. Innovative strategies like Genomic Lifestyle Counselling represent a critical step towards predictive, preventive and personalized healthcare.

Dr. R. M. Anjana, Managing Director elaborated on the scientific framework of the GLC program. She explained that the model combines genomic risk assessment with structured lifestyle modification plans, including diet optimization, physical activity recommendations, and behavioural guidance. The goal is to provide patients with actionable, evidence-based strategies aligned with their genetic predispositions.

Dr. Anjana noted that this approach strengthens early risk identification and empowers individuals to make informed decisions to delay or prevent the onset of metabolic disorders.

Dr. Geeta Dharmatti, Nutrigenomic Counsellor detailed the practical implementation of GLC. She explained how nutrigenomics enables customized dietary planning based on gene–nutrient interactions, ensuring that nutrition advice is scientifically aligned with an individual’s metabolic profile. The program also integrates continuous counselling support to enhance adherence and measurable health outcomes.

The launch of Genomic Lifestyle Counselling reinforces Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre’s commitment for over 35 years to research-driven innovation and comprehensive diabetes care. By embedding precision medicine principles into routine clinical practice, the institution aims to redefine preventive healthcare standards in India.

For more details, call 8939110000 or visit www.drmohans.com

Kauvery Group Launches Dedicated GI Bleed Centres Across Tamil Nadu

Chennai, March 2, 2026: Kauvery Group of Hospitals has launched dedicated GI Bleed Centres across all its hospitals in Tamil Nadu to provide timely evaluation, coordinated care, and comprehensive management of Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, a common medical emergency marked by internal bleeding within the digestive tract.

These centres will also be operational in the group’s hospitals in Karnataka. With 12 units across the two states, the initiative ensures patients have access to specialised, multidisciplinary care closer to home.

These centres bring together emergency physicians, gastroenterologists, intensivists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons under a coordinated care model. From arrival in the emergency department through risk assessment, ICU or ward admission, endoscopic or radiological intervention, and structured discharge planning, patients are managed along a clearly defined clinical pathway.

The centres are equipped with 24/7 emergency endoscopy services and advanced therapeutic endoscopic techniques, including injection therapy, band ligation, glue therapy, and coil embolisation. Interventional radiology support for angiographic embolisation, along with surgical expertise for complex cases, is available whenever required.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. P. Basumani, Director, Kauvery Institute of Digestive Sciences, said: “GI bleeding can result from ulcers, gastric erosions, or variceal bleeds linked to liver disease. Effective management depends on early assessment, stabilisation, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention, as delays can be life-threatening. It requires a systematic, well-coordinated approach. At the Kauvery GI Bleed Centre, we have streamlined evidence-based protocols to ensure timely care at every stage. What truly makes a difference is teamwork – with multiple departments working seamlessly to deliver coordinated, patient-centred care.”

Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said: “Access to timely, specialised care is critical in managing medical emergencies. With Kauvery Hospitals across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, we are bringing advanced GI bleed management closer to the communities we serve. Our goal is to standardise protocols across all units to ensure consistent quality, safety, and patient outcomes, regardless of location. This initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency and critical care services.”

MGM Healthcare Launches ‘Swayam’, Chennai’s First Comprehensive Geriatric Program with a Dedicated Helpline Support for Seniors

Chennai, February 26, 2026: Setting a new benchmark in geriatric healthcare, MGM Healthcare has launched Swayam, Chennai’s first comprehensive, multidisciplinary geriatric programme built on a structured continuity-of-care model with a strong focus on restoring and sustaining quality of life. The programme is supported by a dedicated senior helpline (044-42004222) to assist elderly patients and their families.

The programme integrates outpatient services, dedicated in-patient wards including senior-friendly ICUs, and hospital-to-home care through direct visits, remote monitoring, and follow-up services for patients at home or in assisted-living facilities.

The programme was inaugurated by Col. K. Prabhakar Hebbar (Retd.), Mrs. Joseph Marita, Branch Head and Mrs. Kirshnaveni, Deputy Manager, Dignity Foundation and in the presence of Dr. Senathi Nanda Kishore, Clinical Director & Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead – Anaesthesiology and Surgical ICU, MGM Healthcare, and Dr. P. Sivaraj, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, who heads Swayam.

Swayam distinguishes itself from conventional geriatric care by offering structured, assessment-driven services that integrate medical, psychological, functional, nutritional, sensory, dental, and home-based monitoring within one coordinated framework — ensuring clinical cohesion across specialties.

The team has expertise in comprehensive geriatric assessment; chronic disease management including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular risk; polypharmacy review and medication rationalisation; preventive health and risk stratification; memory and cognitive evaluation; rehabilitation support; metabolic and renal disorder management; infection care; functional and mobility assessment; and frailty and fall-risk evaluation.

In his comments, Dr. Senathi Nanda Kishore said, “India is ageing rapidly, yet structured geriatric medicine remains underdeveloped. Ageing is often normalised as decline – chronic pain, loneliness, reduced mobility, polypharmacy, and sensory deterioration are accepted as ‘natural’. Swayam challenges this narrative. We are not merely a treatment clinic; we represent a proactive, preventive, and restorative ecosystem for senior wellbeing. We are not managing old age – we are optimising healthy ageing.”

Dr. Sivaraj said, “Current geriatric care is often fragmented across specialties – reactive rather than preventive, with limited psychological and social assessment. Medication management is seldom well integrated, and follow-up rarely extends into structured home-based care. In contrast, we offer Chennai’s most structured multidisciplinary geriatric programme, built on a true continuity-of-care model spanning outpatient, inpatient, and home care. The emphasis is on longitudinal monitoring rather than episodic intervention – reframing ageing from inevitable decline to a manageable, optimisable transition”.

Swayam follows an appointment-based model, limiting consultations to just five patients per day to ensure comprehensive, unhurried evaluations. Each visit offers multidisciplinary screening under one roof, including psychological assessments for loneliness and depression. The Hospital-to-Home continuity comprises quarterly Mobile Health Services, where a doctor, nurse, and physiotherapist visit patients’ homes for structured monitoring and ongoing care.

Rela Hospital Performs India’s First Wrist-Based Procedure to Treat Rare Bulge in Brain’s Blood Vessel with Intrasaccular Device

Chennai, February 2, 2026: Rela Hospital has successfully performed India’s first right transradial WEB embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure to treat a brain aneurysm, a bulge in the brain’s blood vessel, using an advanced implant delivered through an artery in the wrist. The procedure saved the life of a 60-year-old woman who had a rare and complex wide-neck aneurysm, a bulge with a wide opening. The innovative use of the WEB device also eliminated the need for stents or dual antiplatelet medications.

The advanced implant, known as Woven EndoBridge (WEB), is unique, as it is placed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow, preventing further bulging, rupture, or re-bleeding. Once sealed off, the aneurysm clots, shrinks, and becomes inactive. In this case, the WEB implant was delivered through the bloodstream to the affected brain vessel via the right wrist rather than the groin, using a guiding catheter and microcatheter.

The patient, a homemaker from Chennai, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing a sudden, severe headache followed by loss of consciousness, along with extremely high blood pressure measuring 230/140 mmHg. Her headache was intense and uncontrollable, and she remained unconscious on arrival.

An emergency CT brain scan followed by cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed bleeding in the space around the brain on the right side. Doctors identified a complex wide-neck aneurysm, where the balloon-like opening is broad, located at a bifurcation point, where one blood vessel splits into two. Given the high risk, the medical team promptly performed the emergency embolisation procedure.

The procedure was led by Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel, Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon and Neurointerventionist, with support from Senior Neurosurgeon Dr. Natesan Damodaran and Clinical Lead in Neuroanesthesia Dr. Ramanan Rajagopal.

In his comments, Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman, Rela Hospital, said, “This is the first time in India that a WEB device has been deployed inside a ruptured cerebral aneurysm through a transradial approach, marking a significant milestone in neurointerventional care. Treating wide-neck and bifurcation aneurysms is particularly complex, as these are rare, high-risk conditions that demand precision and speed. This breakthrough allows us to manage life-threatening aneurysms without opening the skull. By accessing the brain through a small puncture in the wrist, we not only minimise surgical trauma but also spare patients the prolonged bed rest and immobilisation associated with femoral artery access.”

In his comments, Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel, said that “This procedure allows us to treat a life-threatening aneurysm without opening the skull, using only a small puncture in the wrist. We used specially designed catheters suitable for radial artery access and the WEB, a single intrasaccular device specifically designed for wide-neck aneurysms. Advanced support catheters, including the RIST system from Medtronic, were used to safely access the brain vessels through the radial route.”

The patient is recovering well and has been shifted out of the ICU. In cases of ruptured aneurysms, it typically takes around three weeks for subarachnoid haemorrhage and associated vasospasm (sudden narrowing or tightening of blood vessels) to subside. She is expected to remain hospitalised for 14–21 days and will require strict blood pressure control and optimisation of medications.

Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel said that in India, the annual incidence of intracranial aneurysms ranges from 6 to 16 per 100,000 population, translating to an estimated 76,500 to 204,100 new cases each year. Prevalence reported in studies varies widely – from 0.75% to 10.3% – depending on the population studied and diagnostic methods used.

Hypertension is the primary risk factor, as it damages artery walls over time. Other major risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of stimulant drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines. Genetic predisposition and a family history of aneurysms significantly increase risk. The condition is more common in women, especially after menopause, and typically occurs after the age of 40. Additional contributing factors include atherosclerosis, head injuries, blood infections, and certain congenital abnormalities.

To reduce risk, regular blood pressure monitoring and optimisation of medications, along with avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake, are required. People should seek immediate medical attention and undergo brain imaging such as CT or MRI if they experience a sudden onset of severe or unbearable headache – often described as the ‘worst headache of life’ – especially if accompanied by neck pain or loss of consciousness.

MGM Healthcare Malar Performs Live Mono-Segment Liver Transplant on 2-Year-Old Child with Primary Hyperoxaluria, Ending Dialysis

Chennai, January 29, 2026: MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar has successfully performed a complex liver transplant on a two-year-old boy weighing just nine kilograms after his liver failed to produce essential enzymes to clear harmful metabolic waste substances known as oxalates, produced excessively due to a rare genetic disorder, leading to kidney stones and subsequent kidney failure. Following the surgery, the child’s kidney function has improved; while he is no longer dependent on dialysis, a kidney transplant will be required at a later stage.

The young boy was admitted to MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar with symptoms such as severe vomiting and poor physical growth. He was diagnosed with advanced kidney failure and required peritoneal dialysis, a type of dialysis that uses the lining of the abdomen. Further investigations traced the condition to primary oxaluria, a rare genetic disorder that caused excessive production of oxalates in the body. A deficiency of key liver enzymes prevented the clearance of these oxalates, allowing them to accumulate and form kidney stones.

The boy required a kidney transplant; however, without first correcting the liver’s condition, a new kidney would not function properly and the underlying disease would persist, making a liver transplant a crucial prerequisite for treating his renal condition. The procedure was made possible by the boy’s grandmother, who served as the living donor. Live Donor Mono-Segment Liver transplant was performed and uneventful, and the child’s recovery has been smooth and rapid.
This eliminated the need for dialysis after the transplant, and he is scheduled to undergo a kidney transplant in the coming months.

The surgery was performed by a multi-visceral transplant team led by Dr Anil Vaidya MD, Chair and Director, Institute of Multi-Visceral and Abdominal Organ Transplant, MGM Malar, with support from Dr Senthil Muthuraman, Senior Consultant and Dr Venkatesh BS, Consultant, Multi Visceral Transplant. Anaesthesia was managed by Dr Dinesh Babu Senior Consultant, Anaesthesiology, and late.Dr Nivash Chandrasekaran, Senior Consultant, Dr Saravanan – Senior Consultant.Pre- and post-surgical kidney care was overseen by the nephrology team headed by Dr Srinivasa Prasad ND,Senior Consultant while the hospital’s intensive care unit played a critical role in ensuring the child’s smooth post-operative recovery.

In his comments, Dr Anil Vaidya MD said, “Performing a liver transplant on such a young and underweight child is undeniably complex. Typically, we would wait for a child to gain more weight, but given the severity of his condition, we needed to act promptly. By addressing the liver first, we ensured that the kidneys would function properly afterward. This sequential approach will allow the boy’s body to gradually clear the excess oxalates. Now, within weeks, he’s no longer dependent on dialysis and is thriving. He requires immunosuppressants to ensure the transplant’s success, and we look forward to the upcoming kidney transplant at the right time.”

In his comments, Mr. Venugopal Bhat, COO, MGM Healthcare Malar, said, “We are immensely proud to have achieved this rare and complex milestone. This case shows that renal issues from severe genetic conditions such as primary oxaluria can be successfully treated even at a very young age. The surgery was uneventful thanks to meticulous pre-operative preparation, including thorough assessment of the child’s vascular status and infection profile. Instead of performing the liver and kidney transplants together, as is done at many centres, we adopted a carefully planned sequential approach in the child’s best interest. Following the liver transplant, the child was closely monitored in our ICU for a week, with support from nephrology and other specialist teams. The success of this procedure reflects the seamless coordination and dedication of our multidisciplinary teams.”

MGM Group of Hospitals Conducts BLS Training to Raise Cardiac Emergency Awareness

Chennai, 24 January 2026: In a landmark public health and community preparedness initiative, MGM Healthcare rolled out a city wide Basic Life Support (BLS) training programme across 77 locations on Republic Day 2026 and subsequently felicitated the trainers who played a pivotal role in delivering one of the largest coordinated community life-saving initiatives, empowering citizens with critical first-response skills and reinforcing a culture of emergency preparedness across communities.

India is witnessing an alarming rise in sudden cardiac arrests, including among younger adults. Recent data indicate that over 25% of heart attacks occur in individuals under 40, while 15–20% of sudden cardiac arrest cases affect those below 50, signalling a serious and growing public health concern. With bystander CPR rates remaining critically low, MGM Healthcare’s initiative focused on bridging the critical gap between the onset of a cardiac emergency and timely medical intervention.

“One Nation. One Skill. Infinite Lives.”, the flagship CSR initiative, successfully trained 770+ citizens in a single day across Chennai, Madurai, Visakhapatnam and select outstation districts, making it one of the largest coordinated Basic Life Support (BLS) training efforts conducted in the city and beyond. The programme covered CPR, choking response and AED awareness, with hands-on demonstrations delivered by certified clinicians and trainers from MGM Healthcare.

The training sessions were conducted across public spaces, educational institutions, corporate parks and communities in Chennai and select outstation districts. Participants received the certificate of completion at the end of training session.

As part of the initiative, MGM Healthcare also undertook an attempt to enter the Limca Book of Records for conducting BLS training sessions across the maximum number of locations in a single day.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr Senathi Nanda Kishore, Clinical Director, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead, Anaesthesiology and Surgical ICU, MGM Healthcare, said, “Every minute matters in a medical emergency. Through this Republic Day initiative, we aimed to ensure that citizens across communities gain the confidence and skills needed to act decisively and save lives before medical help arrives.”

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Nilesh Mundada, COO and Senior Vice President – Finance, MGM Healthcare, added, “Through sustained Basic Life Support training, MGM Healthcare is committed to building a culture of preparedness and resilience where every citizen is empowered to act as a first responder. Saving a life is not just a medical skill, but a shared civic responsibility, and by training communities at scale, we are strengthening India’s emergency preparedness beyond hospital walls.”

This initiative has reinforced its commitment by extending care beyond hospital walls and fostering sustained public health awareness through continued community engagement.

Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet Performs One of the World’s First complex TAVR-in-TAVR-in-SAVR Procedure

Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet Performs One of the World’s First complex TAVR-in-TAVR-in-SAVR Procedure with Bioprosthetic Valve Fracture and Dual Cerebral Protection for a man aged 78 years

Chennai, 22 January 2026: Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet has successfully performed a highly complex and rare TAVR-in-TAVR-in-SAVR procedure with bioprosthetic valve fracture on a 78-year-old patient, marking one of the first such procedures in the world. The advanced transcatheter intervention was undertaken to treat a repeatedly failing heart valve in a patient with a long and challenging history of aortic valve disease.

The patient was first diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, a condition where the heart’s main valve narrows and restricts blood flow to the body. In 2005, he underwent open-heart surgery (Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement-SAVR) to replace the diseased valve with a bioprosthetic (tissue) valve. Over time, this valve degenerated, and in 2019, he underwent a transcatheter (TAVR) valve-in-valve replacement—a minimally invasive procedure in which a new valve is placed inside the old surgical valve without reopening the chest.

In the years following the second procedure, the patient once again developed symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue. Investigations revealed increasing pressure gradients across the valve, indicating that blood flow through the heart valve was again being obstructed. Further evaluation suggested leaflet thrombosis (blood clot in the leaflets) and become thickened, and do not open fully. While anticoagulation medication temporarily improved valve function, the problem recurred whenever treatment was stopped, causing early degeneration of the Transcatheter Heart Valve.

Given the patient’s advanced age, multiple prior valve interventions, and high surgical risk, repeat open-heart surgery was considered a higher risk option.

Upon referral to Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, a multidisciplinary heart team led by Dr Rajaram Anantharaman & Dr C Sundar conducted a detailed assessment using advanced 3D echocardiography and CT imaging. These investigations confirmed persistent leaflet thickening and restricted valve opening despite medical therapy, due to under-expandion of the previous placed TAVR allowing leaflets to open in restricted fashion (pin-wheeling). After careful planning, the team decided to proceed with a TAVR-in-TAVR-in-SAVR procedure, placing a new transcatheter valve inside the previously implanted transcatheter valve inside surgical valve.

To further optimise valve expansion and blood flow, a bioprosthetic valve fracture technique was employed. This involves controlled expansion of the existing TAVR in SAVR to high pressure to fracture the frame of the first surgical valve. This will create more space and full expansion of the newly implanted valve, and function more effectively. Given the high neurological (stroke risk) associated with such complex procedures, dual cerebral protection was used during the intervention with two Spider FX devices placed in both Carotids arteries (supplying brain) to reduce the risk of stroke by capturing the debris and preventing from reaching the brain.

The procedure was particularly challenging due to the patient’s bicuspid aortic valve anatomy (two leaflets rather than three) associated aortopathy with moderately dilated aorta (the main artery from the heart was slightly enlarged, increasing procedural risk), and pseudo-coarctation (a narrowing of part of the thoracic aorta with narrowing and tortousity)mimics coarctation, combined with the failure of both a prior surgical valve and a prior transcatheter valve.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Rajaram Ananthraman, Director for Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, said,

“The challenging procedure needed meticulous planning and precision by the Heart Valve Team. Despite these complexities, the procedure was successfully completed. The patient showed rapid recovery, was shifted to the ward the next day, and discharged within 48 hours. Post-procedure assessments confirmed excellent valve function, stable neurological status, absence of major complications, and full mobility.”

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said,

“This case reflects the depth of clinical expertise available at Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet. Managing such high-risk and complex structural heart cases locally reduces the need for patients to seek care abroad and reinforces Chennai’s growing role as a centre for advanced cardiac interventions.”

Kauvery Hospital, Chennai continues to strengthen its leadership in structural heart disease management through advanced transcatheter procedures, state-of-the-art imaging, and comprehensive multidisciplinary cardiac care, offering patients access to world-class treatment close to home.