Hyderabad : In a remarkable case of cutting-edge medical intervention, 87-year-old Mrs. Suman Reddy (name changed) successfully underwent a lifesaving Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda. The procedure, performed by Dr. Pramod Kumar Kuchulakanti and his expert team, demonstrates the transformative potential of minimally invasive cardiac treatments for elderly patients with complex health challenges. This life-changing, minimally invasive treatment not only restored her heart function but also significantly improved her quality of life. Mrs. Reddy, (name changed) who had been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis two years ago, had been advised to undergo surgical valve replacement at that time. However, due to her multiple co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus, which can cause cardiovascular complications; atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke and heart failure; severe anemia, which limits oxygen supply to the body and strains the heart; and mild renal impairment, which affects kidney function and complicates recovery, surgery was initially deemed risky. Despite medical management, her symptoms worsened in June 2024, culminating in severe shortness of breath and leg swelling, which required urgent attention. Upon her arrival at Yashoda Hospitals on June 17, 2024, a comprehensive evaluation, including a 2D echocardiogram, confirmed severe aortic valve stenosis with a valve area of just 0.8 cm² and normal left heart function. After initial stabilization, Dr. Pramod Kumar Kuchulakanti and his team recommended TAVI as the optimal treatment.
The minimally invasive procedure was successfully performed in under an hour. Remarkably, Mrs. Reddy (name changed) was discharged just 48 hours later and has since resumed her daily activities independently, a testament to the procedure’s efficacy and the high level of post-operative care.
Dr. Pramod Kumar Kuchulakanti, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad explained, “TAVI has transformed the treatment of aortic stenosis, particularly for patients who are not candidates for traditional open-heart surgery. The success of this procedure in Mrs. Reddy’s case highlights the tremendous potential of this technology to improve patients’ lives. The precision and safety of TAVI enable rapid recovery, even in elderly patients with multiple health challenges.”
TAVI, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), was first developed over two decades ago for patients with inoperable aortic valve stenosis. Over time, its safety, durability, and effectiveness have made it not only a standard of care for high-risk patients but is increasingly being used in patients aged 65 and older, even those with low surgical risk. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour, allowing patients to resume normal activities soon after.
Dr. Pramod Kumar Kuchulakanti added, “The success of Mrs. Reddy’s treatment underscores the importance of advanced, minimally invasive procedures in improving patient outcomes. It marks a significant milestone in the adoption of TAVI as a routine treatment for severe aortic stenosis, helping to save lives and restore health with minimal recovery time.”
To address these challenges, India must adopt a multi-faceted healthcare approach, prioritizing access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatments. Cities like Hyderabad are leading the way in medical innovation, offering patients cutting-edge procedures like TAVR, improving outcomes and quality of life. As technologies like TAVR and advanced imaging become more accessible, they should be integrated into a unified healthcare strategy, ensuring equitable, patient-centred care and better cardiovascular health across India. The SMART (SMall Annuli Randomized To Evolut or SAPIEN) trial, which compared self-expanding valves, with balloon-expandable valves for patients with small aortic valves, found that self-expanding valves caused fewer complications and fit better, making them a better choice for these patients. This emphasizes the importance of selecting the right valve for the best results, particularly in high-risk patients like Mrs. Reddy. (name changed)
