Advanced Heart Procedure Successfully Conducted on Teenager at Army Hospital (R&R)

In a significant advancement in medical treatment, Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi has successfully executed a rare transcatheter pulmonary valve-in-valve replacement on a 15-year-old boy. This procedure was crucial for the patient, who was experiencing severe right heart obstruction and heart failure. Previously, the young patient had undergone two open-heart surgeries, but this innovative minimally invasive method averted the necessity for a third, high-risk surgery.
The intricate procedure was completed by a multidisciplinary team that included pediatric cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, specialists in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, catheter lab personnel, and pediatric intensive care staff. Utilizing state-of-the-art robotics and advanced imaging technology, the team managed to reduce complications and expedite the recovery process.

This achievement underscores the Armed Forces Medical Services’ (AFMS) dedication to integrating modern technology with medical care. Army Hospital (R&R) is known for its pioneering efforts, having carried out Asia’s first cervical disc replacements in 2002-2003 and overseeing over 500 test tube pregnancies each year.
According to experts, this recent success aligns with global medical developments where transcatheter valve replacements exhibit a 95% success rate in complex congenital cases, significantly decreasing recovery time in comparison to conventional surgeries.

Medical professionals have praised this accomplishment as a reflection of India’s increasing expertise in minimally invasive cardiac procedures. It effectively combines military precision with cutting-edge medical technology to save lives.