Dr. Raghu Prasad Leads First TAVI Procedure at SDM Narayana Heart Centre

Dharwad: The SDM Narayana Heart Centre, a leading healthcare provider in the region, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting its first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure. 

The procedure was performed on a 62-year-old patient, Mr. R.S. Patil (name changed for confidentiality), who had been experiencing symptoms of exertional breathlessness and chest discomfort. Diagnosed with severe calcific aortic stenosis—a condition that restricts blood flow due to the narrowing of the aortic valve—Mr. Patil was deemed an ideal candidate for this minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.

Led by Dr. Raghu Prasad S., a team of expert doctors conducted the TAVI procedure using a catheter inserted through the right femoral artery. During the procedure, the diseased valve was successfully replaced with a prosthetic valve. Post-procedure tests confirmed the valve was well-seated, with no leaks, and the patient’s left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved significantly from 30% to 55%. The entire procedure was completed in just one and a half hours.

Mr. Patil was discharged three days later and is now recovering well. Both the patient and his family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the medical team at Narayana Heart Centre for their dedication and exceptional care.

Dr. Raghu Prasad highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This is a proud moment for our hospital. We are committed to bringing world-class cardiac care closer to home and making advanced procedures accessible to patients in North Karnataka.”