Mangalore Diocese News

Report : Angela

Kankanady, Jan 12 : Father Muller Medical College Hospital's Department of Cardiology has achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing the Trans Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure for the first time on January 11, 2024. This ground-breaking procedure, aimed at replacing a blocked aortic valve, represents a notable advancement in cardiac care.

Traditionally, the replacement of a blocked aortic valve necessitates open-heart surgery, a major procedure involving the opening of the chest. However, the TAVR procedure offers a less invasive alternative. During TAVR, an artificial valve is inserted through a small tube, typically from the leg, avoiding the need for chest surgery. This innovation not only reduces the physical trauma associated with conventional open-heart surgery but also promises a quicker recovery.

One of the key advantages of TAVR is the elimination of the necessity for general anaesthesia and ventilator support, making it a more accessible option for patients. Patients undergoing TAVR can typically walk within six hours post-procedure, a stark contrast to the extended recovery period often associated with open-heart surgery.

Currently, this advanced cardiac intervention is only available in select centres across India, with Father Muller Medical College Hospital becoming one of the hospitals in Mangalore to offer this ground-breaking treatment.

The Department of Cardiology expressed gratitude to both the medical professionals involved in the successful execution of the TAVR procedure and the hospital's management for their continuous support. This accomplishment underscores the hospital's commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and providing state-of-the-art cardiac care to the region.

As the department looks towards the future, they remain dedicated to further growth and excellence, with the goal of making Father Muller Medical College Hospital's Department of Cardiology one of the premier cardiac care centers in the region. The successful introduction of TAVR reflects the department's ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and establish itself as a leader in innovative cardiac interventions.