Chennai, Feb 19: Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, successfully treated a 31-year-old woman with severe heart failure through aortic root surgery, a rare and complex cardiac procedure, ensuring long-term heart function while preserving her ability to safely plan future pregnancies.
The patient was admitted with severe breathlessness and symptoms of advanced heart failure. On detailed evaluation, doctors found that she had a leaking aortic valve along with a massive enlargement of the main blood vessel carrying blood from the heart This condition, known as an aortic root aneurysm, is life-threatening and requires urgent surgical intervention. Her heart pumping function was also severely weakened, making the situation even more critical.
The standard treatment involves surgically replacing the damaged section of the aorta along with the aortic valve, typically using a mechanical valve. While effective, metallic valves require lifelong blood-thinning medication. For young women, this can significantly complicate pregnancy and childbirth, as blood thinners pose risks to both mother and baby.
However, considering the patient’s young age and her desire to lead a normal married life, the surgical team at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, led by Dr. Anbarasu Mohanraj, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant – Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, opted for an advanced and technically demanding procedure known as Aortic Valve–Sparing Root Replacement (David’s Procedure). This highly specialised surgery repairs the diseased portion of the aorta while preserving the patient’s native aortic valve, thereby eliminating the need for lifelong blood thinners and allowing safer pregnancies in the future.
The five-hour surgery involved five doctors along with skilled nurses, anaesthetists, and technicians. Despite the complexity of the case and the patient’s poor heart function, the surgery was successfully completed. The patient made an excellent recovery and was discharged in stable condition.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Anbarasu Mohanraj, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant – Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, said
“This was a very high-risk and technically challenging surgery, especially given her severely weakened heart. However, preserving her natural valve was extremely important considering her young age and plans for marriage and childbirth. At Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, we are equipped to perform such complex procedures because of our experienced surgical team, advanced anesthesia support, and world-class infrastructure. We frequently undertake rare and challenging cases with excellent outcomes.”
Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, congratulated the entire team and added
“Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani continues to take healthcare to world-class standards. Successfully performing such advanced procedures reflects our commitment to combining clinical excellence with compassionate, patient-centered decision-making.”
This stands as a powerful example of how advanced cardiac care, combined with thoughtful medical decision-making, can not only save lives but also protect a patient’s future dreams and quality of life.