Kauvery Hospital has successfully performed India’s first combination procedure involving a next-generation leadless pacemaker and non-surgical valve replacement on an 80-year-old patient. The patient, who had a history of bypass surgery, was managing multiple health conditions including diabetes, lung issues, and chronic kidney disease.
The patient’s age-related slow heart rate and aortic valve stenosis were addressed through a non-surgical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).
A team of doctors at Kauvery Hospital carried out the leadless pacemaker implantation alongside TAVR. The procedure was conducted through two small keyhole incisions in the right leg, ensuring a minimally invasive approach that significantly reduced recovery time and discomfort.
Doctors explained that the advanced leadless pacemaker is a compact, self-contained device implanted directly into the heart to regulate its rhythm. Unlike traditional pacemakers, which require wires (leads) and a chest incision, this innovative pacemaker is inserted through a minimally invasive procedure via the groin. This eliminates the need for leads within the heart and prevents scarring on the chest wall.
What makes this procedure a first in India?
This procedure is the first in India to combine the implantation of a next-generation leadless pacemaker with a non-surgical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Performing both procedures simultaneously addresses complex cardiac issues, such as slow heart rate and aortic valve stenosis, in a minimally invasive manner, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing recovery time.
How does the leadless pacemaker improve recovery and reduce discomfort compared to traditional methods?
The leadless pacemaker improves recovery and reduces discomfort by eliminating the need for chest incisions and lead wires. It is implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure performed via the groin, avoiding scars on the chest wall. This approach lowers the risk of infection, minimizes post-procedure pain, and allows for faster healing and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional pacemakers, which require more invasive surgery and lead placement inside the heart.
How does it impacted for Cardiac care in India?
The introduction of leadless pacemakers and advanced non-surgical procedures like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is transforming cardiac care in India in several impactful ways:
1. Revolutionizing Treatment for High-Risk Patients:
Patients with multiple comorbidities (such as diabetes, kidney disease, or prior heart surgeries) are often considered high-risk for traditional open-heart surgeries. The availability of minimally invasive solutions like leadless pacemakers and TAVR opens new treatment pathways for these individuals, improving survival rates and quality of life.
2. Minimally Invasive Cardiac Innovations:
By eliminating the need for large incisions and complex surgeries, leadless pacemakers and TAVR reduce hospital stays, post-operative complications, and recovery times. This minimizes the burden on healthcare infrastructure, allowing hospitals to treat more patients efficiently.
3. Setting New Standards in Cardiac Care:
The successful execution of India’s first combination of leadless pacemaker implantation and TAVR signals a shift toward cutting-edge cardiac interventions. This achievement positions India as a leader in adopting global best practices, fostering innovation in the healthcare sector.
4. Expanding Access to Advanced Treatments:
As these procedures become more common and cost-effective, they are likely to become accessible to a broader patient population, including those in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This democratization of advanced cardiac care helps bridge the urban-rural healthcare divide.
5. Enhancing Doctor Training and Expertise:
Performing complex combination procedures pushes the boundaries of medical expertise in India. It encourages continuous learning and collaboration among cardiologists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons, elevating the overall standard of care across the country.
6. Boosting Patient Confidence in Domestic Healthcare:
Successful groundbreaking procedures reinforce trust in India’s healthcare system. Patients who might otherwise seek treatment abroad are more likely to consider domestic options, contributing to medical tourism and reducing costs for patients.
7. Driving Innovation and Investment in HealthTech:
The adoption of advanced cardiac technologies drives further investment in healthcare innovation, attracting global medical device companies and fostering partnerships. This could lead to more localized manufacturing of cardiac devices, making treatments more affordable over time.
8. Improving Long-Term Outcomes and Quality of Life:
Leadless pacemakers and TAVR not only address immediate cardiac issues but also reduce long-term complications. Patients experience fewer hospital readmissions, improved heart function, and better overall health, alleviating the long-term economic and emotional burden on families.
Source of Information: https://www.dtnext.in/lifestyle/wellbeing/dt-health-kauvery-hospital-performs-non-surgical-valve-treatment-on-80-yr-old-816903
