First time in Mumbai, four cases of TAVI (Transcatheter aortic valve implantation) were performed in one day at Lilavati Hospital by Dr Ravinder Singh Rao, interventional structural cardiologist. Organizing Chairman and Live TAVI case operator, Dr Ravinder Singh Rao, and team, who performed the procedures showed 185 cardiologists from the country who had assembled in Mumbai last week that how to do TAVI safely and effectively. Aortic valve was replaced under local anaesthesia and via catheter. Patients stayed in the ICU overnight and then were shifted to the room next day.
Commenting on the distinctive practise, Dr Ravi Shankar CEO of Lilavati Hospital and Cardiac surgeon, said that TAVI is a lifesaving procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Advanced TAVI learning program held at Lilavati, where 4 complex TAVI procedures were done safely in one day, establishes the hospital as a Center of excellence. At such centers and with integrated approach the outcome is safe and at par with international standards.
Elucidating his views, Dr Ravinder Singh Rao, MD, DM, FACC, Chief Intervention cardiologist,
Head Complex PCI And TAVI Program, said that Aortic stenosis refers to narrowing of aortic valve and only treatment is valve replacement. Medicines are not effective in this disease. Patients with such problems would undergo open heart surgery. Now with all the medical evidences, TAVI when done from femoral artery (groin vessel) is superior than open heart surgery.
Mr. Shah underwent a first of its kind, lifesaving procedure in the country. He is a 70-year-old person who has multiple medical problems and was not fit for open heart surgery. Dr Rao performed IVL lithotripsy assisted TAVI. IVL angioplasty was done for calcified blockages and then the blood vessel was dilated. Following which he did TAVI successfully and safely.
