Chennai: It was a momentous, prestigious occasion today for Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi. Two pioneers – Prof. Alain Cribier, world-renowned interventional cardiologist from France and best known for inventing the world’s first procedure of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in 2002, the non-surgical methodology for changing heart valve under local anaesthesia like angioplasty and Padma Bhushan Awardee Prof. Ashok Seth, Chairman, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, credited with the first Transcatheter Valve (TAVI) procedure in India and also, the highest number of TAVI procedures – engaged in a high-level dialogue on this non-surgical Heart Valve Replacement Therapy and its benefits for patients and to the field of cardiac sciences. The TAVI therapy is especially useful for patients who are at high risk for surgery and the elderly population and is the standard of treatment today for calcific aortic stenosis in the elderly. It is done at low risk, with rapid recovery, and discharge from the hospital in 2-3 days.
Each year, the number of TAVI procedures being done across the world is more than one lakh. The number of cases of TAVI in India are more than 1500 in a year. This therapy is benefitting many patients of aortic valve disease who could not have surgery in the past because of old age, associated risks, weak health and inoperable conditions. Today, TAVI is helping garner best patient outcomes with superior results than open heart surgical methods. The high-level dialogue between Prof. Alain Cribier and Prof. Ashok Seth centred around how TAVR is different from Conventional Aortic Valve Surgery, profile of patients who can opt for TAVR, technological advancements, implantation and safety methods, long-term outcomes and post-operative care. It also discussed the cardiac care roadmap for India which has a high number of patients seeking quality care.
The conversation further focused on how indigenous companies such as Meril Lifesciences, in alignment with our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s “Make in India initiative”, have developed world class transcatheter heart valves in India which are widely used in India and across the world. The first-generation valve, MyVal and the second-generation valve, Octacor are giving results comparable to international standards and valves, thus increasing access and affordability of heart procedures.
Speaking on the occasion, Bidesh Chandra Paul, Zonal Director, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi said, “It is a matter of great pride for us that two stalwarts of cardiology came together at our institution today and spoke about their contribution and the benefits that new technology and TAVI is bringing to patients. Prof. Alain Cribier has completely changed the treatment of valve therapy from a surgical to non-surgical method, which became the preferred standard of valve replacement across the globe. Dr Seth needs no introduction in the field of cardiology and he has conducted the maximum number of TAVI procedures in India. Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi is an institution of excellence in cardiac care, and it has always been at the forefront in promoting heart health through latest technology. It is crucial that such sessions are given high visibility to raise awareness and promote knowledge-sharing for academics, medical students, practicing cardiologists and medical professionals.”
