Health

India’s Most Comprehensive Heart and Lung Transplant Program Gives Critically Ill Patients a Second Chance at Life

deccanwebtv Jan 23, 2026

Chennai, 22 January 2026: Apollo Hospitals, Chennai continues to set national benchmarks in the treatment of advanced heart and lung disease, driven by one of India’s most comprehensive heart, lung, and ECMO-supported transplant programs. The transplant team, with significant national and international experience, have performed 600+ heart and lung transplants, managed over 2,000 transplant patients, 1,000+ Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) cases, along with 250+ Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) procedures and 250+ Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) interventions.

The multidisciplinary heart-lung transplant and MCS program at Apollo expertly manages patients with end-stage heart and or lung failure, offering personalised solutions for those who no longer respond to maximal medical therapy. Be it a stabilising, bridging or definitive treatment with transplanting hearts and lungs, or implanting durable mechanical cardiac pumps for failing hearts, our patients are supported through a continuum of focused and evidence-based care.

The team also offers comprehensive solutions for even the most complex cardiopulmonary conditions, such as the gold standard treatment of Pulmonary Endarterectomy (PEA) for appropriate patients with CTEPH, where the chronic blood clots in the lung arteries are removed surgically.

The press conference held to mark this milestone featured patients from different age groups and levels of illness severity, who shared how their lives were transformed by the program. Among them were Mr. Raja Sivagurunathan (59), who survived a critical phase on ECMO support for 48 days before undergoing an emergency double-lung transplant; Mr. B. Saravanan (45), who developed sudden and severe lung failure and was supported on life-saving machines for two weeks until a successful lung transplant; and Mr. Radhae Shyam Raghuvanshi (72), whose condition worsened abruptly and who was airlifted to Chennai before receiving a double-lung transplant after advanced support.

Commenting about ECMO and Transplantation, Dr. Srinivas Rajagopala, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead – Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine and Lung Transplant, Apollo Hospitals Chennai said, “These outcomes demonstrate how early and appropriate use of ECMO can fundamentally alter the course of severe lung failure. It provides a vital bridge allowing time for stabilisation, informed decision-making, and preparation for lung transplantation. Success lies in constant vigilance, multidisciplinary teamwork, and highly personalized care. Our goal is always meaningful recovery, not merely short-term survival.”

Dr. Kumud Kumar Dhital, Head of Heart and Lung Transplantation at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, emphasized “Patients suffering from advancing heart and lung failure, with escalating medical therapy and declining quality of life, deserve to be informed of the transplant options at a far earlier stage. Outcomes improve significantly when patients are referred early and managed with strong, protocol-driven hospital care. Age itself is not a limitation – what matters is careful evaluation, optimization, meticulous surgery, expert after-care in the ICU, and life-long post-discharge continuity of care so as to maximize chances of long-term survivorship.”

Dr. IIankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO – Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals also participated in the press conference.

As India’s burden of advanced heart and lung disease continues to rise, Apollo Hospitals remains at the forefront of comprehensive cardiothoracic transplantation, combining innovation, expertise, and compassionate care- proving that even the most critical organ failure can be transformed into a second chance at life.

Apollo Hospitals delivers 360-degree care through an integrated, multidisciplinary model involving cardiology, pulmonology, cardiothoracic surgery, anaesthesia, critical care, transplant coordination, rehabilitation, and seamlessly coordinates this with post-discharge and long-term follow-up. The program’s focus extends beyond survival to restoring functional independence and quality of life for patients while fully informing and supporting their families.

ECMO serves as a vital life-support technology within this ecosystem. This mechanical support temporarily takes over the function of the heart and/or lungs when conventional therapies fail. By oxygenating blood outside the body, ECMO allows failing organs to rest and recover or acts as a crucial bridge to recovery or transplantation. The program integrates VV-ECMO for lung support, VA-ECMO for cardiac and combined heart-lung failure. LVADs in the form of implantable and mechanical heart pumps are offered to suitable candidates as durable alternatives or bridge to heart transplantation.

SIMS Hospital Unveils India’s First 24×7 Digital Medical Bus for Rural Communities

deccanwebtv Jan 20, 2026

Chennai, January , 2026: SIMS Hospital has unveiled SIMS Hello Doctor Health on Wheels, India’s first medical bus designed to deliver essential and comprehensive medical services and teleconsultations with specialists to rural communities. Health on Wheels offers on-the-go consultations, health screenings, vaccinations, and basic diagnostic services backed by a 24×7 medical team.

Thiru. Ma. Subramanian, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Medical Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, flagged off the medical bus in the presence of Tmt. Tamilachi Thangapandiyan, Member of Parliament, South Chennai Constituency, Thiru. A.M.V. Prabhakara Raja, Member of Legislative Assembly, Virugambakkam Constituency, and Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SRM Group.

The mobile unit enables seamless and paperless end-to-end patient care, including registration, consultation, diagnostics, referrals, and follow-ups, ensuring that individuals receive quality medical attention without the burden of travel or long waiting times. The medical bus provides a wide spectrum of services such as real-time mobile teleconsultations with specialists and super-specialists, vaccination-on-wheels to improve immunisation access and coverage, and one-stop preventive health check-ups for early risk identification.

With a strong focus on preventive healthcare and wellness, SIMS Hello Doctor also facilitates early assessment and detection of non-communicable diseases, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

As part of its operations, the SIMS Hello Doctor medical bus will conduct exclusive health screenings and check-ups across industries, schools, colleges, and rural communities. The medical bus also delivers smart health education and awareness sessions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, early intervention, and informed healthcare decisions. An AI-powered chatbot further enhances patient engagement by offering guided assistance, appointment support, and access to verified health information. Under its Mission SIMS VILLAGE framework, the hospital will identify villages through the medical bus to ensure continuous access to preventive, diagnostic, and consultative healthcare services, while strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery on a call to 044 2001 2001.

Speaking on the occasion, Thiru. Ma. Subramanian, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Medical Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “Initiatives such as Hello Doctor Health on Wheels play an important role in strengthening the public healthcare ecosystem by ensuring that medical services reach people where they live. This step signifies the future of healthcare—one that is inclusive, preventive, and accessible. I appreciate SIMS Hospital for taking this forward towards community well-being.”

Commenting on the launch, Tmt. Tamilachi Thangapandiyan said, “Tamil Nadu has gained a global recognition as a preferred destination for medical tourism, offering advanced treatments, skilled doctors. Growing number of foreign patients are choosing Tamil Nadu for affordable and high-quality medical care, strengthening state’s position as a leading healthcare hub in India. I also commend Mr. Ravi Pachamuthu and the SIMS Hospital team for their consistent efforts in delivering quality healthcare services to rural communities, ensuring equitable access to medical care for all.”

Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SRM Group, said, “At SIMS Hospital, our vision has always been to go beyond hospital walls and reach patients where they need us the most. SIMS Hello Doctor – Health on Wheels reflects our commitment to preventive healthcare, early intervention, and technology-driven care. This 24×7 mobile healthcare service will not only improve health outcomes but also empower communities with awareness and timely medical guidance.” This initiative marks a significant step in redefining healthcare delivery through innovation, outreach, and community-centric care, paving the way for a future where timely and quality medical support is always within reach.

MGM Cancer Institute Saves 41-Year-Old Man with Advanced, Inoperable Tongue Cancer

deccanwebtv Jan 8, 2026

Chennai, January 6, 2026: Doctors at MGM Cancer Institute have successfully treated a 41-year-old male smoker with advanced tongue cancer (squamous cell carcinoma), a condition previously considered inoperable at several hospitals as the tumour, measuring approximately 5 × 3 cm with significant vertical extension, had spread across the entire anterior tongue, the floor of the mouth, and reached the hyoid bone, a bone in the upper neck that supports the tongue.

The patient underwent a composite resection, a single, extensive surgery aimed at removing all cancer-affected tissue. This included complete removal of the front portion of the tongue (anterior total glossectomy), removal of cancer-involved tissue from the floor of the mouth, and removal of the affected portion of the jaw bone (segmental mandibulectomy). The procedure also required removal of the hyoid bone.

Following complete tumour removal, doctors rebuilt the tongue and mouth using free flap reconstruction, an advanced technique in which healthy tissue from another part of the body was used to restore normal shape and function. As a final step, radiation therapy was administered to eliminate any remaining cancer cells at the microscopic level, ensuring complete cancer control.

The complex medical and surgical procedures were carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. M.A. Raja, Director and Senior consultant – Medical Oncology; Dr. Sivaram Ganesamoni, HOD and Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology; Dr. Manikandan Venkatasubramaniyan, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology; Dr. A. Siva Kumar, Plastic Surgeon.

Commenting on the case, Dr. Raja said, “The patient, a known smoker, presented with a persistent ulcer and abnormal growth on the tongue. Clinical examination revealed extensive involvement of the anterior tongue and floor of the mouth. A biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of oral cancer. Further evaluation with a whole-body PET scan showed that the tumour had extended deep into the tissues, reaching the hyoid bone.”

He added that considering the advanced stage of the disease and the patient’s young age, the multidisciplinary tumour board recommended chemotherapy given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumour and improve surgical outcomes. “After two cycles of chemotherapy, follow-up PET scans showed a good partial response, following which the patient was reassessed and taken up for surgery,” he said.

In his comments Dr. Sivaram Ganesamoni said, “This case highlights the integration of multimodality expertise in action, delivering results even in a seemingly impossible clinical scenario. Each one of the specialists involved are to be commended for the clinical excellence.”

Explaining the surgical procedure, Dr. Manikandan Venkatasubramaniyan said, “The surgery involved an anterior total glossectomy, which is the complete removal of the front portion of the tongue, along with resection of the entire floor of the mouth. In addition, a segmental mandibulectomy was performed to remove the affected part of the jaw bone on the right side, and the hyoid bone was also removed. To restore the large surgical defect and preserve function, the team carried out advanced reconstruction using a Free Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) flap, in which healthy tissue from the patient’s left thigh was transplanted to rebuild the removed structures. The patient is disease free and is back to his routine life.”

Kauvery Hospital Launches One-Tap ‘SOS’ Feature on Kauvery KARE App to Deliver Faster Emergency Care

deccanwebtv Dec 24, 2025

Chennai , 22nd December 2025: Kauvery Hospital today announced the launch of its one-tap ‘SOS’ emergency feature on the Kauvery KARE app, designed to simplify and accelerate access to emergency medical care. The feature enables users to receive immediate medical support with just a single tap, and without the need to remember emergency numbers or explain their location during critical moments.
In emergency situations, panic, confusion, or unfamiliar surroundings often make it difficult for patients or bystanders to communicate essential details to emergency services. Kauvery Hospital’s SOS feature addresses this challenge by automatically capturing the user’s location through GPS, allowing the nearest ambulance to be dispatched instantly to the exact location.
At the same time, the SOS feature enables the user or bystander to connect with a doctor from Kauvery via a 24/7 video call system, ensuring real-time medical guidance and reassurance until emergency help arrives. This seamless integration of ambulance services and live medical consultation helps bridge the crucial gap between the onset of an emergency and hospital care.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Suresh Sambandam, Founder and CEO, Kissflow said, “ True innovation turns complex problems into simple solutions. Kauvery KARE does exactly that-putting lifesaving care with just one tap away. It is inspiring to see a Tamil Nadu leader using digital innovation to solve real world needs and create a massive impact.”

Speaking at the launch, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Today, mobile apps have become a natural part of how people manage their daily lives from mobility to basic essentials that reach them within minutes. When convenience and speed are already expected in these areas, healthcare cannot remain an exception. During medical emergencies, every second matters. During such moments it is natural for patient or their attenders to be worried and in times of panic they will be unable to reach out for help or explain their situation which can lead to delays. Our goal is to remove complexity from emergency care. With the Kauvery KARE SOS feature, help is just one tap away.”
Beyond emergency support, the Kauvery KARE app serves as a comprehensive digital healthcare platform. Individuals can book appointments across any Kauvery Hospital unit, opt for video or in-person consultations, access health reports digitally, and manage medical records for multiple family members on a single app. The app is available on iOS and Android.
The launch of Kauvery KARE reflects Kauvery Hospital’s commitment to using technology to enhance accessibility, responsiveness, and continuity of care. By combining emergency response with everyday healthcare services, the app aims to provide patients with a dependable, all-in-one digital health solution—available anytime, anywhere.

India’s First Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with Patch Augmentation using ArthroFlex® at Chennai Upper Limb Unit

deccanwebtv Dec 13, 2025

Chennai, India 12^th Dec 25:

 In a remarkable milestone for Indian orthopedic surgery, Dr. Ram Chidambaram, one of India’s foremost shoulder specialists, successfully performed the country’s first arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using ArthroFlex®–HDA, at Chennai Upper Limb Unit, Chennai. This pioneering procedure marks a significant leap forward in restoring shoulder function and improving quality of life for patients suffering from complex, massive rotator cuff tears.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ram Chidambaram said: “This surgery opens new possibilities for patients who were previously considered untreatable with conventional methods. ArthroFlex–HDA provides an ideal graft for restoring shoulder biomechanics, giving patients a pain-free, functional shoulder and a renewed quality of life.”

Rotator Cuff Injuries Rotator cuff tears are commonly encountered following an injury or fall. The muscles making up the rotator cuff (crucial for lifting and shoulder rotation) often wear down with age and repetitive use, increasing their propensity to tear. Patients present with significant pain, restricted range of motion and hampered ability to perform activities of daily living. Small tears can be treated conservatively, but big tears often require surgical intervention in the form of arthroscopic repair (‘keyhole surgery’). Classically, this involves reattachment of the torn tendon to the footprint of the humeral head using suture anchors. The majority of patients respond well to this procedure, but a few experience poor functional outcomes due to degenerative tissue and retears.

The rotator cuff is essentially supported by a ‘Human allograft patch’ of tissue that holds the repair together, enabling faster post-operative mobilization and reducing risk of retear. Patients also experience tremendous pain relief and better functional outcomes. Human allograft patches advanced and superior, providing increased strength, elasticity and biocompatibility. The graft preserves native cellular architecture, allowing for long-term integration into host tissue.

 Chennai Upper Limb Unit is a dedicated specialist centre in Alwarpet that exclusively caters to patients with problems affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. Dr Ram Chidambaram, founding director of the Chennai Upper Limb Unit, is a senior consultant shoulder & upper limb surgeon with over 30 years of experience in India and the UK. His expertise is in sports medicine and treating upper limb ailments and is now regarded as one of the best shoulder and upper limb surgeons in Asia

ArthroFlex®–HDA by Avana

 ArthroFlex®–HDA has been made available in India through the work of Avana Medical Devices Pvt Ltd. The company, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chennai.  Avana is proud to have supported this landmark case by ensuring timely and compliant access to the human dermal allograft, said Mr. P Sundararajan, Managing Director at Avana Medical Devices Pvt Ltd. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between international innovation and Indian clinical needs, so patients here can benefit from world-class solutions without delay. We are always proud to introduce new technologies in India to enable surgeons to treat their patients better.”

SIMS Hospitals Performs India’s First Keyhole Removal of Rare Heart Tumour from the Left Ventricle

deccanwebtv Dec 10, 2025

Chennai, December 10th, 2025: SIMS Hospitals successfully performed India’s first Endoscopic Left Ventricular tumour removal, a key hole minimally invasive surgery avoiding the need for breast bone cutting (sternotomy). This was done for a very rare tumour that has grown inside the heart’s main pumping chamber, in a 45-year-old female patient.

The patient, a working woman, incidentally diagnosed to have a mass attached to the main pumping chamber of the heart (the left ventricle). An MRI of the heart confirmed it to be a left ventricular mass/thrombus measuring 1.6 × 1.5 cm.

Primary cardiac tumours accounts for only about 0.6% of all cardiac surgeries performed in the country. Specifically, the left ventricular tumour is extremely rare, occurring in only about one in 20-30 million people. The usual approach for treating this condition is a sternotomy, an open-heart surgery. However, doctors at SIMS Hospitals opted for an endoscopic cardiac surgery, a minimally-invasive keyhole procedure. It involves creating small openings between the ribs, passing through the muscle, accessing the chambers of the heart, and removing the tumour.

The elective procedure successfully removed the tumour and eliminated the risk of complications like stroke. The surgery 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. The surgery involved endoscopic guidance and specialised minimally invasive instruments to remove the tumour.

Congratulating the team on this historic achievement, 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.”

In his comments, Dr V. V. Bashi said, “Left ventricular mass is a rare condition, and performing its removal through a minimally invasive technique is exceptionally uncommon in the world. It is done for the first time in India. The patient was under general anesthesia and placed on heart-lung machine support through the blood vessels in the right groin. Through a tiny 3 cm incision, right chest cavity was approached. Right lung was collapsed, after the patient was initiated on heart-lung machine support. Heart was stopped and chambers of the heart were opened. Endoscope was used to visualise the main pumping chamber and the tumour was excised completely. The chambers were closed and the heart was allowed to beat. The patient was gradually weaned off the heart-lung machine. She is now completely normal and has resumed her routine work without any discomfort in two weeks.”

Commenting on the benefits of the key-hole surgery, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim said, “cardiac surgery generally involves cutting through the central sternal bone, which increases pain, hospital stay and the risk of morbidities. However, endoscopic cardiac surgery is an advanced minimally invasive approach that enables faster recovery while reducing pain and blood loss. It also avoids a prominently visible scar in the middle of the chest after surgery. Endoscopic assistance further enhances precision and allows us to access areas that may not otherwise be easily reachable. We have already performed five such cases with a 100% success rate. We also use minimally invasive approaches to treat other cardiac conditions such as coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, septal defects of the heart, and mediastinal tumours. About 90% of cardiac tumours happen due to random changes in the heart’s cells, with no clear reason. The remaining 5-10% occur in people who have a genetic tendency to develop these tumours.

Billroth Hospitals Launches Institute of Robotic Surgery to Deliver High-Precision, Cost-Effective Care

deccanwebtv Nov 30, 2025

● Robot-assisted surgery will be offered across oncology, gastrointestinal, urology, thoracic, gynaecology and complex general surgery specialties.
● The hospital will use the advanced SSi Mantra system, featuring modular robotic arms and high-definition 3D imaging for enhanced surgical precision.

Chennai, November 29, 2025

Billroth Hospitals, one of the city’s leading multispeciality centres and a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic and laser procedures, has launched its Institute of Robotic Surgery, marking a major expansion of its minimally invasive surgical capabilities. The facility will use the SSi Mantra 3, an India-made next-generation surgical robot designed by SS Innovations, to perform a wide range of procedures with greater precision and improved patient outcomes.

the robotic platform will be deployed across oncology, gastrointestinal surgery, urology, thoracic surgery, gynaecology and complex general surgery. The SSi Mantra 3 will also support intricate operations involving the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, biliary system, intestines, rectum, anal canal and urological organs such as the kidney, ureter, bladder and prostate. It will further aid minimally invasive interventions for reproductive tract conditions, retroperitoneal tumours and tumours of the chest.

The hospital said that the system will enhance its capabilities in performing complex hernia repairs, bile duct exploration, diaphragmatic repair, hiatus hernia fundoplication, metabolic and bariatric surgery, hysterectomy and tubal reimplantation. High-end procedures such as liver transplantation and cardiac bypass are also expected to benefit from the dexterity and stability offered by the robotic arms.

The SSi Mantra 3 features 3 to 5 fully modular robotic arms and supports more than 40 robotic endo-surgical instruments, enabling surgeons to tailor the setup to each operation. Its open-face console includes a 32-inch 3D 4K display, ergonomic controls and head-tracking safety, offering enhanced visual clarity and steadier control during long or complex surgeries.

In his comments, Dr. Rajesh Jeganathan, Chairman, Billroth Hospitals said, “We are pleased to launch a centre of excellence for robot-assisted surgery. Our goal is to democratise minimally invasive care by making it accessible and affordable for our patients. Those who require laparoscopic procedures should consider robotic surgery, as both follow the same minimally invasive principles. With a robot-assisted approach, even complex operations can be performed more safely, with faster recovery and shorter hospital stays – ultimately reducing overall treatment costs. This is especially beneficial for cancer patients who need intricate resections or long surgical hours. The minimally invasive technique also enables patients to get out of bed the very next day, significantly supporting quicker recovery.”

He further added that robotic technology significantly enhances surgical precision. Unlike conventional open surgery, robotic systems provide a highly magnified, 10x enlarged 4K 3D view that offers exceptional clarity while preserving the depth perception of open procedures. The stable robotic platform minimises unintended hand movements, enabling greater accuracy and reducing blood loss. With a range of motion that exceeds natural human limits, the robotic arms can bend and rotate to access difficult-to-reach areas with ease. Importantly, surgeons operate from an ergonomically designed console, which reduces fatigue and allows for steadier control during long or complex surgeries.