15-Month-Old Russian Baby Avoids Lung Transplant Following Treatment at MGM Healthcare

deccanwebtv Nov 4, 2026

Chennai, 4 November 2026: Through timely surgical interventions and multidisciplinary care, MGM Healthcare successfully averted the need for lung transplantation in a 15-month-old boy from Russia who developed progressive respiratory failure due to multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disorder characterised by the abnormal multiplication and accumulation of Langerhans cells in the body.

The child, airlifted from Russia, was admitted at MGM Healthcare, originally for bilateral lung transplantation due to severe lung involvement, characterised by extensive cystic lung disease, recurrent bilateral pneumothorax (collapse of the lungs caused by air leaking into the space around them), and progressive breathing difficulties.

However, the hospital’s multidisciplinary team decided to explore all viable surgical options before proceeding with lung transplantation, an irreversible and complex procedure. The team performed bullectomy, a procedure for the removal of large air-filled space from the lung and repeated chest drain procedures to remove trapped air from around the lungs and allow the lungs to re-expand. It also carried out thoracoscopic atypical lung resection, a minimally-invasive surgery to remove a diseased portion of the lung, rather than removing an entire lung lobe, for diagnosis and treatment. Following these interventions and close monitoring, the child’s respiratory condition improved significantly, and he is now doing well. The baby no longer requires a lung transplant.

The multidisciplinary team comprised specialists in cardiac critical care, haematology and haemato-oncology, paediatric pulmonology and surgery, infectious diseases, neurology, urology, dermatology, ENT, thoracic surgery and lung transplantation, along with physician assistants and the ICU staff. There was a prolonged hospital stay, from May through September 2026, as the baby required mechanical ventilation, multiple intercostal drains, advanced imaging, invasive monitoring, multidisciplinary critical care and repeated surgical interventions.

The team was led by Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan, Director, Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, and Dr. Suresh Rao K. G., Co-Director of the Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support and Cardiac Critical Care.

In his comments, Dr. Balakrishnan said, “Multisystem LCH is a rare disorder in which abnormal cells can accumulate in different organs. When LCH affects the lungs, it can cause cystic changes and serious respiratory complications, sometimes necessitating consideration of lung transplantation. However, the course of pulmonary LCH can be unpredictable, and some children with severe lung involvement may recover with appropriate medical and supportive care. This case underscores the importance of continuous clinical reassessment and multidisciplinary decision-making before proceeding with an irreversible intervention such as lung transplantation.”

Dr. Suresh Rao commented, “Given the severity of the child’s lung condition, transplantation was a serious consideration. However, the child’s remarkable response to medical management and the recovery of the native lungs allowed us to avoid transplantation. For a child who had travelled all the way from Russia with the possibility of a lung transplant, this was an exceptionally gratifying outcome. It reinforces the principle that knowing when to proceed with transplantation is as important as having the expertise to perform it.”

Kauvery Hospital Treats Complex Aortic Valve Regurgitation Using Specialised HANCHOR Valve Technology

deccanwebtv Oct 29, 2026

Chennai, October 29, 2026: Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai, has successfully treated severe aortic valve leakage, known as Pure Native Aortic Regurgitation (PNAR), in a 63-year-old man with a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure using the specialised HANCHOR valve. The condition was caused by a perforation in the patient’s native aortic valve leaflet. The patient also had a history of mitral valve replacement, adding to the complexity of the treatment. This is the first of its kind procedure where the HANCHOR valve has been used for TAVR in a patient presenting with this combination of clinical factors.

The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the main artery that supplies blood to the body. When the valve does not close properly, blood flows backwards into the heart, a condition known as aortic regurgitation. In this patient, the leakage was severe and associated with a perforation in one of the valve’s leaflets, making treatment more complex.

Treating pure native aortic regurgitation through a catheter-based approach presents a specific challenge. Unlike aortic stenosis, in which calcium deposits can help secure a replacement valve, patients with pure native aortic regurgitation often have little or no calcification to support the implanted valve. This makes stable positioning and secure anchoring more difficult. The patient’s previous mitral valve replacement added another important consideration to the treatment planning.

The HANCHOR valve is designed to address the challenge of valve anchoring in pure native aortic regurgitation. It combines a balloon-expandable frame with a dedicated anchoring element made of nitinol, a flexible metal alloy. The anchoring mechanism is designed to engage the native valve leaflets and help stabilise the replacement valve, including in situations where the surrounding anatomy offers limited support.

During the TAVR procedure, the replacement valve was delivered through a catheter and positioned within the patient’s existing aortic valve. This minimally invasive approach allows doctors to replace the faulty valve without conventional open-heart valve replacement surgery, where clinically appropriate.

Following the procedure, the post-procedure assessment reported no residual aortic regurgitation, no valve stenosis (abnormal narrowing) and no paravalvular leak, which is leakage around the implanted valve. No significant abnormality in the heart’s electrical conduction was reported. The patient was discharged after three days.

Dr. Rajaram Ananantharaman, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai, said: “Pure native aortic regurgitation can be challenging to treat using a catheter-based approach because the limited calcium deposits in the native valve can make it difficult to secure a replacement valve. Also, the perforation of the aortic valve leaflet, combined with the patient’s history of mitral valve replacement, added further complexity to treatment planning. The HANCHOR valve’s dedicated anchoring mechanism helped us address the challenges of valve positioning. The immediate post-procedure findings were encouraging, with no residual aortic regurgitation or leakage around the implanted valve reported. This procedure demonstrates the importance of individualised treatment planning and specialised valve technology in managing complex structural heart conditions.”

Commenting on the treatment, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “At Kauvery, we are committed to advancing patient care through clinical expertise, innovation and the adoption of appropriate medical technologies. Success stories such as this highlight the importance of combining specialised treatment approaches with careful clinical assessment to address complex cardiac conditions. We continue to focus on bringing advanced treatment options to patients while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and care.”

MGM Healthcare Organises ‘Stride for Stroke’ Umbrella Walkathon to Observe World Stroke Day

deccanwebtv Oct 29, 2026

Chennai, October 29, 2026: In observance of World Stroke Day, MGM Healthcare organised a 3-kilometer umbrella walkathon titled ‘Stride for Stroke’, commencing from the hospital premises to raise awareness about the importance of timely medical intervention. More than 400 people, mainly stroke survivors and people who had been prevented from developing strokes, participated in the walkathon.

The event was flagged off by actress Ramya Subramanian in the presence of Dr. Roopesh Kumar , Director of Neurosurgery, Dr. Vasudevan , Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant, Dr. Srivarthan , Consultant Neurologist, and Dr. Aarthi Deepesh , Clinical lead of Interventional Radiology, MGM Healthcare.

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when brain cells begin to die due to an inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. It affects an individual’s movement, speech, vision, memory, and ability to perform day-to-day activities. Since brain tissue begins to die within minutes, stroke management is extremely time-sensitive.

According to the World Stroke Organization, one in four people is at risk of stroke in their lifetime, and over 12 million people experience a stroke each year globally. It is one of the major causes of death and long-term disability.

That’s why World Stroke Day is observed annually on October 29 across the globe to raise awareness about stroke prevention, early recognition of its symptoms, and the importance of timely medical intervention. This year, the campaign focuses on ‘Every M1nute Counts’, with the call to ‘#ActFast’, highlighting the importance of recognising the symptoms quickly. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the possibility of recovery.
At MGM Healthcare, World Stroke Day is observed with an umbrella walkathon in which people raise their umbrellas to raise stroke awareness. Through the walkathon, the hospital management aims to raise awareness about the golden time for stroke management, as more than 90% of stroke patients reach the hospital beyond the golden four-and-a-half-hour period, slowing down the treatment and recovery process. Some of the common stroke symptoms include facial deviation, arm drift, and speech difficulties.

In his comments, Dr. Roopesh Kumar said, “Stroke is more like a race against time, where every second can make a huge difference between recovery and lifelong disability. The sooner a stroke is recognised and treated, the higher the chances of minimising brain damage and preventing long-term disability. It is important to be aware of stroke warning signs, such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, or sudden loss of balance. It is also equally important to understand that conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can significantly increase the risk of stroke. People should make lifestyle modifications and undergo regular health check-ups to prevent stroke.”

In his comments, Mr. Pathmanaban , Chief Executive Officer said, “As healthcare professionals, we understand that behind every stroke is a life, a family, and a future that deserves every possible chance. This World Stroke Day, let us come together to raise awareness, encourage preventive healthcare, recognise symptoms early, and ensure that no time is lost in seeking medical attention. Remember, when it comes to stroke, every second matters, every action counts, and acting fast can save a life.”