R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAY 21
In a landmark breakthrough that has pushed the boundaries of advanced cardiac care in India, MGM Healthcare has successfully performed the country’s first-ever implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in a nearly 80-year-old patient suffering from advanced heart failure and multiple life-threatening complications.
The rare and highly complex procedure has given a new lease of life to a retired Chennai resident whose failing heart had left him struggling for breath, battling repeated ICU admissions and watching multiple organs gradually deteriorate.
- MGM Healthcare achieves India’s first LVAD heart pump implantation in a patient close to 80 years of age
- Senior Chennai resident suffering from end-stage heart failure, repeated ICU admissions and worsening kidney function makes remarkable recovery
- Advanced Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) used after heart transplantation was ruled out due to age and fragile condition
- Complex life-saving procedure led by renowned cardiac transplant specialist K R Balakrishnan and team
- Patient now living independently, taking regular walks and leading an active life after three-week recovery period
Breathlessness, ICU Admissions and Failing Organs
The elderly patient had been suffering from end-stage heart failure, a condition where the left ventricle of the heart becomes too weak to pump sufficient blood to the body.
As his condition worsened, he developed severe breathlessness, low blood pressure, lung congestion and declining kidney function. His health had deteriorated to such an extent that he once had to be readmitted to the ICU on the very same day he was discharged from hospital.
A New Milestone in Advanced Cardiac Care
Medical experts say the achievement could open new possibilities for elderly heart failure patients who may not qualify for heart transplantation but still require advanced life-support interventions. The successful implantation not only highlights India’s growing expertise in mechanical circulatory support systems but also underscores Chennai’s emergence as a major destination for advanced cardiac sciences and transplant medicine.
With conventional treatment options proving ineffective, the patient and his family sought a permanent solution to the recurring medical crisis.
However, given his advanced age and fragile clinical condition, the medical team ruled out heart transplantation — often considered the gold standard for such cases.
Instead, doctors decided to implant a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a sophisticated mechanical heart pump that supports the weakened left ventricle and helps circulate blood throughout the body.
High-Risk Procedure Performed Against All Odds
The life-saving intervention was led by K R Balakrishnan, Chairman – Cardiac Sciences and Director – Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support, along with Suresh Rao K G, Co-Director – Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support at MGM Healthcare.
Following the successful surgery, the patient remained under recovery care for nearly three weeks before being discharged.
On Thursday, in what doctors describe as a remarkable turnaround, the nearly 80-year-old patient is living independently, going for regular walks and leading an active daily lifestyle.
“There Was Little Time to Wait”
Explaining the complexity of the case at a media conference, Dr. K R Balakrishnan said:
“Our heart works as a two-sided pump, the right side sends blood to the lungs, while the left side pumps blood to the rest of the body. In this patient, the left side had become extremely weak and was barely able to perform its function, which is why he was experiencing frequent breathlessness and repeated hospitalisations. A conventional heart transplant was not feasible because of his advanced age, fragile condition and worsening kidney function. Even LVAD implantation carried significant risk, as multiple organs were beginning to fail. We therefore carried out a comprehensive evaluation, including heart function studies, lung pressure assessment, and checks of all major organs from the kidneys to the brain. Although LVAD is usually an elective procedure, in his case there was little time to wait as his organs were deteriorating, making timely intervention critical. We are extremely happy that the procedure went well.”
“First Time Near 80 Years of Age”
Dr. Suresh Rao K G highlighted the rarity of the procedure in elderly patients.
“LVAD technology was originally introduced as a bridge-to-transplant option for very sick patients awaiting a donor heart. Today, it is also being used selectively as a long-term therapy for patients who may not undergo transplantation. While the hospital has implanted LVADs in many patients below 65 years of age, this is the first time it has performed the procedure in a patient close to 80 years old.”
“Renewed Hope and Quality of Life”
Mr. Nilesh Mundada, COO, MGM Healthcare & Senior Vice President – Finance, MGM Group, said the milestone reflects the hospital’s commitment to advanced life-saving innovations.
“MGM Healthcare’s commitment has reflected the milestone of pushing past the boundaries of advanced cardiac care as well as bringing in life-saving innovations to patients. The successful implanting of LVAD in a nearly 80-year-old patient, who had an advanced heart failure, emphasizes the strength of our experts. As heart failure continues to emerge as a growing health challenge, we will remain committed to delivering world-class treatment solutions that help us improve the outcomes and give patients renewed hope and quality of life.”
Dr Rajesh Ratanlal Agarwal, Medical Director, MGM Healthcare, Chennai also present at the media conference.
