Aster Medcity launched a specialized department named ‘Aster Advanced Heart Valve Centre’ under Aster Cardiac Sciences. The unique department focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease and offers a comprehensive range of services, including medication, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical procedures such as valve repair or replacement. Dr.Azad Moopen , Chairman & Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare launched ‘Aster Advanced Heart Valve Centre’ in an event held in Kochi.

“I am glad to announce the launch of our latest specialized center, Advanced Heart Valve Centre which promises to be a benchmark in the field. Until recently, surgical treatment was the norm for valve disease beyond medical management, which came with its share of complications. However, with the advent of non-surgical interventional treatment modalities such as TAVI/TAVR, Mitra Clip, TMVR, etc., patients have access to much less invasive options. Our center is committed to providing the latest and most advanced treatments in heart healthcare, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. Azad Moopen Chairman & Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare. 

The Aster Advanced Heart Valve Centre comprises a Heart Valve Clinic, collaborative services such as Heart Failure Clinic, and non-cardiology support from Vascular and General Surgery, Neurology, Nephrology, Infection Control, Stroke and Elderly care, and Psychiatric care. The centre also has a multidisciplinary Heart Team that specializes in valve disease diagnosis and management. Complex cases are discussed in the heart team to ensure the most scientific treatment.

“The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging facilities, including the Vivid E95 echocardiographic machine with 3D transesophageal echo and intracardiac echo (ICE), which help in the evaluation and fine-tuning of procedures. The complex interventions are performed in a “Hybrid Cath Lab,” which can also act as a surgical theatre if needed. Mechanical circulatory support systems like ECMO are also used for appropriate cases”, said Dr. Anil Kumar R, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Aster Medcity.

The Aster Heart Valve Team comprises highly trained specialists, including Cardiologists, Cardiac surgeons, Echocardiographers, Interventional Radiologists, Anesthesiologists, Critical Care Experts, and other healthcare professionals with expertise in heart valve disease management. Centre offers a range of treatment options, including non-surgical valve repair and replacement, such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement / Implantation (TAVR / TAVI), Mitra Clip, balloon valvotomies and paravalvular leak (PVL) closure. Root and ascending aortic replacement, Mitral and tricuspid repair, Mitral edge-to-edge repair, Aortic valve repair, Ross procedure or Pulmonary autograft are some of the surgical treatments offered. The centre also provides minimal / open heart valve repairs and replacement and cardiac rehabilitation

“Heart valves are essential structures in the heart that regulate blood flow, and problems with these valves can lead to various heart conditions, including heart failure. Early detection and proper treatment of valve problems is very important. Many patients will only need medical follow up. However severe valve disease may warrant surgery or non-surgical interventions” said Dr. Rajiv C, Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, who leads the program at Aster Medcity. This one-of-a-kind heart valve centre is aimed at providing scientific and comprehensive solutions for even complex valvular heart diseases, he added.

Valvular heart disease is a common health problem in India, particularly among older adults. Rheumatic heart disease which can cause narrowing and leaking of valves, mitral valve prolapse, degenerative valve disease like narrowing of the aortic valve which affects elderly people are the common causes of valve disease. Mitral valve leak is observed in some patients following a heart attack. Infection of a previously diseased valve termed infective endocarditis rapidly worsens valve disease requiring immediate treatment.

Dr. Azad Moopen Chairman & Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, Farhaan Yasin, Vice President, Aster India and Doctors from Aster Medcity Dr. Rajiv C, Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Dr. Anil Kumar R, Senior Consultant -Interventional Cardiology, Dr. V Narayanan Unni, Chairman Advisory Committee, Aster Medcity attended the Press meet.