19-05-2025
Hat-trick of TAVR procedures marks growing adoption of advanced heart valve treatment in city
Nagpur: The city is witnessing a significant leap in cardiac care with the increasing use of
(TAVR) – a minimally invasive technique used to treat patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis who are unfit for open-heart surgery. In a notable milestone, three
were successfully performed in a single day in a single operation theatre by a team of cardiologists in the city, marking a first for the region.
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TAVR offers a revolutionary approach where the diseased aortic valve is replaced via catheter-based technology without the need for open surgery or general anaesthesia. Patients remain awake during the procedure and typically resume basic activity within hours. Many are discharged the very next day – a sharp contrast to the prolonged recovery associated with conventional surgical methods.
This development reflects the growing confidence in the technique and its acceptance among both doctors and patients.
The procedures were performed using 'MyValve' by Meril Life Sciences, a company that has been instrumental in expanding access to TAVR across India. First introduced in Central India in 2018, TAVR slowly gained traction in cities like Nagpur, where awareness is still a challenge. Initially guided by proctors, cardiac teams in the region have now built the expertise to conduct these procedures independently.
The recent back-to-back TAVRs were conducted without external supervision, showcasing local capacity-building in advanced cardiac care.
Dr. Jaspal Arneja, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Director of Arneja Heart Hospital—where the latest procedures were conducted—highlighted the life-saving potential of the technique: "One of the three patients was critically ill and underwent TAVR the very next day of admission. A few years ago, such a case would have poor chances of survival."
Cardiologists Dr. Vivek Mandurke and Dr. Amar Amale also played key roles in managing and executing the complex procedures.
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Dr. Mandurke added, "As more people come to know about TAVR and its benefits, the demand will rise, potentially bringing down the cost of valves and making the treatment more accessible. We also foresee the use of artificial intelligence in early diagnosis and targeted treatment to further improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
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While the number of TAVR procedures is still relatively low in smaller cities compared to metros, the recent achievement signals a shift towards more widespread availability of cutting-edge heart treatments in Tier-2 regions like Nagpur.
