Medica achieves the milestone of curing the highest number of patients with TAVR procedure in Eastern India
Staff Reporter : Kolkata, 12th December2024, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, part of the Manipal Hospitals group, organized a an event today to honour & celebrate the patients who underwent Transcatheter Valve Replacement (TAVR) in the last few years at the hospital. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure for replacing the aortic valve using a cardiac catheter. It is becoming increasingly common because, unlike traditional valve replacement surgery performed by cardiac surgeons in an operating room under general anesthesia, TAVR is done by interventional cardiologists in a cath lab using simple heart catheters, avoiding the need for prolonged anesthesia and ventilation. In the last four and a half years, Medica has witnessed increasing number of TAVR in the last few years.
TAVR procedures are now well established and worldwide more than 120,000 patients underwent TAVR in 50 countries. In India, as of now, 5000 procedures have been performed over the last 10 years. In Eastern India, the highest number of TAVR procedures has been performed in Medica Superspecialty Hospital.
The event was graced by the presence of (Prof.) Dr. Rabin Chakraborty, Senior Vice Chairman & Head of Cardiology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Dilip Kumar, Director of the Cardiac Cath Lab & Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Arindam Pande, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Anup Banerjee, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Rana Rathor Roy, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist,Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Debopriyo Mondal, Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Medica Superspecialty Hoospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. P.K. Hazra, Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, Dr. Soumya Patra, Consultant & Incharge- Cardiology, Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur along with other doctors from the cardiology departments of the units of Manipal Hospitals.
During the event, (Prof.) Dr. Rabin Chakraborty, expressed, “TAVR is a one-of-a-kind and complex procedure. However, with an experienced heart team like the one we have at our hospital, such complex cases can be achieved without any complications. Catheter-Based Valve Replacement will soon be the procedure of choice for heart valve disease. Patients with multiple comorbid conditions and those over the age of 65 are currently candidates for Transcatheter Valve Replacement because they are not medically suitable for open heart surgery under prolonged general anaesthesia and ventilator.”
During his address, Dr. Dilip Kumar shared some key facts about the TAVR procedure and explained, “When heart valves are operated on, it is typically an open-heart surgery under full anesthesia where the valves are replaced. However, surgeons no longer need to open the heart to access the valves, as transcatheter valve replacement has become the norm in valve replacement procedures. The dosage of anesthesia is milder in these cases, and patients can return home in a day or two following surgeries. When transcatheter valve replacement is done in the aortic valve, it is referred to as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement” (TAVR). Unlike surgical aortic valve replacement, TAVR is a less time-consuming medical procedure. A faster rate of patient recovery, a lower risk of infection, and cost-effectiveness make the TAVR procedure the preferred option. In India, transcatheter valve replacement was introduced in 2016, gaining popularity rapidly. At Medica, we have successfully performed a significant number of transcatheter valve replacement procedures in the past four and half years, which is the highest in Eastern India.”
TAVR champion 1, a 72-year-old, female, from Rajarhat, Gopalpur, underwent TAVR this year and shared, “I have high blood pressure, and in October, I started experiencing chest discomfort and fainted twice. Concerned, my family admitted me to Medica under the care of Dr. Dilip Kumar. After undergoing tests, we discovered that my heart’s
aortic valve had become narrowed, restricting blood flow to the body and putting strain on my heart. Dr. Kumar recommended TAVR, and I underwent the procedure on October 22, 2024. I was discharged two days later, on October 24, and my recovery was remarkably smooth. Within a few weeks, I was back to my normal routine. I am extremely grateful for the exceptional treatment I received here and to Dr. Dilip Kumar for making the entire process so seamless.”
TAVR champion 2, a 77-year-old, male, from Dumdum, shared, “I underwent one heart surgery a few years ago and have diabetes and high blood pressure. This year in June, I came to Medica with chest discomfort and breathing difficulties. I had a lung infection and was given strong antibiotics and was on a ventilator as well, after I improved a bit, further tests revealed that I had blockages in my heart arteries and issues with my previous heart bypass graft. Considering my situation, Dr. Dilip Kumar has recommended TAVR to replace the faulty valve and he explained the entire procedure to my family. My operation took place on 29th June’24, since my operation, I have been doing completely fine and in a stable condition. Thanks to Dr. Dilip Kumar and the team at Medica for everything.”
About TAVR, Dr. Soumya Patra, shared, “Similar to angioplasty, the technology used in the TAVR procedure is widely recognized and accepted within the global medical community. This minimally invasive procedure is primarily recommended for elderly patients and has demonstrated a remarkable success rate. It is particularly beneficial for individuals at a higher risk of complications from traditional surgery. We are proud that besides Medica across all Manipal Hospital units, we have performed the highest number of TAVR procedures to date, and we remain committed to helping the patients lead healthier and improved lives post-procedure.”
Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals (East), shared, “Our mission has always been to bring the best medical & technological advancements to the eastern region so that patients can benefit without having to travel to other parts of the country. We are happy to see that, we have successfully performed numerous TAVR procedures over the past few years, transforming patients’ lives by offering them renewed health and vitality. This complex procedure demands precision and care, and our cardiology teams across all Manipal Hospitals, go above and beyond to provide comprehensive guidance, preparing patients both mentally and physically to ensure the best possible outcomes and recovery.”