• The high-risk patient with a history of severe comorbidities, two (strokes), and two Angioplasties was diagnosed with severe Calcified Aortic Valve Stenosis causing narrowing of the Aortic Valve in the heart leading to dizziness with falls, chest discomfort, and severe breathlessness
• Calcified Aortic Valve Stenosis is more common in elderly patients above 65 years. The patient had comorbidities in the form of a previous stroke, Angioplasty, and low EF (Ejection fraction)
• The patient was spared from open heart surgery through the successful implantation of a TAVR (Valve procedure), preventing sudden cardiac arrest and improving her well-being

A team consisting of Dr. Anup Taksande, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Mayuresh Pradhan, Consultant Cardiovascular Thoracic and Heart Transplant Surgeon and Dr. Manik Chopra, Structural Heart Disease Intervention Cardiologist and TAVR & TAVI Specialist, carried out one of the first successful life-saving Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure on a 72-year-old Mira Road woman. This patient had a history of severe comorbidities, including two strokes and two Angioplasties to treat severe Calcified Aortic Valve Stenosis. The skilled team of experts at Wockhardt Hospitals accomplished this extraordinary accomplishment by avoiding open heart surgery through the effective use of a TAVR (Valve procedure), preventing sudden cardiac arrest, and enhancing her overall health.

Patient Mrs Heera Mishra’s life took a turn when she suffered a major heart attack and then underwent two Angioplasties in 2010 and 2014. Her health struggles continued as she was later diagnosed with a stroke in 2018, followed by another stroke in 2021. Her condition deteriorated further when she developed progressive narrowing in the Aortic Valve of her heart, last year. Upon examination, the doctor observed that her ejection fraction (EF) was low due to a previous heart attack, leading to restrictions on her physical activity at home. She faced multiple hospital admissions for severe dizziness, low blood pressure, and breathlessness in September and July due to her medical issues. Subsequently, she was readmitted on December 30th, 2023. However, the patient got a fresh lease of life at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road when the doctors performed a groundbreaking TAVR procedure for her Valve disease.

Dr Anup R Taksande, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road said, “On arrival, the patient was in critical condition. She had low BP and was severely symptomatic with breathlessness and giddiness. The focus was on the Aortic Valve which was getting narrow. This results in the Valve not fully opening, reducing or blocking blood flow to the body. In severe cases, Aortic Valve Stenosis causes sudden Cardiac Arrest that can cause death. This condition is commonly seen in the elderly over 65 with comorbidities such as Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  Around 0.5% to 1% percent of the population above 65 years of age suffers from Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis.”

Dr Anup Taksande added, that Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a non-surgical procedure done in the Cath Lab and has helped avoid open-heart surgery by minimizing invasiveness and reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality. The procedure is performed under mild anesthesia and is suture-less through the groin. The uneventful procedure lasted for 30 minutes and the patient was shifted to the ICU for a day and made to walk after 12 hours of procedure. She was shifted to the ward for a day and then discharged in stable condition on 2^nd Jan 24. The patient came after 10 days for follow-up. She was asymptomatic with no further complaints of giddiness or breathlessness.”

“Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road has established itself as a leader in providing cutting-edge cardiac care, particularly in performing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures. This minimally invasive and highly effective treatment option offers renewed hope for elderly patients suffering from heart problems. The hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technologies enable the expert team of cardiologists and surgeons to perform TAVR procedures with precision. Through this innovative approach, elderly individuals are provided an opportunity to undergo life-saving treatment without enduring the rigors of traditional open-heart surgery. Wockhardt Hospital’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements ensures that this vulnerable population receives world-class care and access to groundbreaking treatments that can significantly prolong their lives,” said Dr Anup Taksande.

“My mother had a history of Strokes and Cardiac Arrest, and now Aortic Valve Stenosis was just petrifying for us. This new year marks a fresh start for her as she managed to avoid open heart surgery through the use of TAVR. I am grateful to the skilled team of doctors who saved my mother’s life.” concluded the son of the patient Mr Sujith Mishra.