Amaravathi, Feb 21: Manipal Hospital’s hosted a press meet today highlighting a major milestone on successful completion of its first heart transplantation. The event brought together, the multidisciplinary transplant team including Dr Dilip Ratti & Dr Varun Pamidi, Department of CTVS; Dr Shankar Rao & Dr Anil Kumar, Department of Cardiac Anaesthesiology; Dr A V S S N Sridhar, Department of Nephrology; and Dr N Murali Krishna, Chief Cardiologist and his team and media to share insights into the complex procedure and the patient’s recovery journey.
The case shared during the meet was that of Ms. K. Sathyavathi, 21yrs young woman from Vizianagaram who had been battling Dilated Cardiomyopathy for several years. As her condition progressed to severe heart failure despite optimal medical therapy, she underwent a comprehensive transplant evaluation, including Right Heart Catheterization and a detailed transplant workup to assess her suitability. Following evaluation, she was listed for organ transplantation under the Jeevandan organ-sharing program, after which a suitable donor’s heart became available at the hospital. With support from the Manipal Foundation and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, the life-saving transplant was successfully performed. This milestone procedure has given Sathyavathi not just a new heart, but a renewed future and a second chance to live, dream, and thrive, with her recovery currently stable under close post-operative monitoring.
Dr Dilip Ratti, Consultant CTVS emphasised, “Heart transplantation requires most advanced life support infrastructure like ECMO, Ventricular assist devises and meticulous planning, precise surgical execution, and seamless teamwork across multiple specialties. The patient’s positive recovery is a testament to coordinated care and the importance of organ donation in saving lives.”
Ms. Sathyavathi expressed deep gratitude saying, “For nearly 5 years, my life was a painful journey with heart disease. Every single day was a struggle — breathlessness, weakness, repeated hospital visits, and the constant fear that my time was running out. There were nights I could not sleep, worrying about my family and what would happen to them. For the past few years, I have been under treatment at Manipal Hospitals, and the doctors here stood by me like family, giving me strength when I was losing hope.
I was very scared when I was told that a heart transplant was necessary to save my life. At such a crucial time, the help provided by the government through the CMRF scheme, as well as the timely financial assistance from Manipal Foundation, was truly a godsend. That help eased a huge burden on our family. It made this life-saving surgery possible. Manipal Hospitals restored my health without spending a single rupee on our part.
Today, as I breathe with a new heart, I feel like I have been given a second life. Manipal Hospitals has not just treated me — they have given me my life, my future, and my dreams. I will forever remain grateful to the doctors, the Manipal Foundation, and the Government for giving me this precious second chance at life.”
AP Jeevandan State Coordinator Mr. K. Rambabu stated “In Andhra Pradesh, many patients are waiting for organ transplants. It is truly heartening to see donors coming forward to save lives. The AP Jeevandan Government is always prepared to extend timely support and coordination to all hospitals in every necessary aspect.”
Mr. J. Ramanjaneya Reddy, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, said, “This achievement marks a significant step forward in expanding advanced cardiac care in the region. Successfully performing our first heart transplant reflects the strength of our clinical expertise, world-class infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to providing life-saving treatment closer to home. We are deeply grateful to the Government for their valuable support through the CMRF scheme, which has been a great financial relief and support system for patients and families during critical times.
With state-of-the-art facilities including advanced MICS (Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery), robotic-assisted surgeries, and comprehensive tertiary and quaternary care services, Manipal Hospitals Vijayawada today stands fully equipped to deliver the highest standards of healthcare. When such advanced, technology-driven treatment is available right here, patients no longer need to travel to cities like Hyderabad or Chennai for complex procedures. We are proud to bring world-class healthcare within reach for the people of Andhra Pradesh.”
The event concluded with an emphasis on the growing role of advanced transplant programs, multidisciplinary care, and organ donation awareness in improving survival and quality of life for patients with advanced heart disease.