A nearly 80-year-old patient has successfully undergone a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation at MGM Healthcare for advanced heart failure.

The patient had been experiencing severe breathlessness, repeated ICU admissions, and worsening kidney function, as his heart was no longer pumping sufficient blood.

Due to his age and overall health condition, the medical team determined that a heart transplant was not suitable.

The LVAD, a mechanical pump that supports the left ventricle, was chosen to assist the heart’s function.

The procedure was performed by K.R. Balakrishnan, Chairman of Cardiac Sciences and Director of the Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, and Suresh Rao K.G., Co-Director of the institute.

After three weeks in the hospital, the patient was discharged and is now able to walk and carry out daily activities independently.

At a press meet on Thursday, Dr. Balakrishnan said, “The left side of the heart in this patient was weak and unable to pump effectively, which caused frequent breathlessness and hospitalisations. Heart transplantation was not feasible due to his age, kidney function, and overall condition. Even LVAD implantation involved risks, so we performed detailed evaluations of his heart, lungs, kidneys, and other major organs before proceeding.”

Dr. Rao said that LVADs were initially used as a bridge for patients awaiting a heart transplant. Today, they could also be used as a long-term therapy for patients who are not transplant candidates.

“While we have implanted LVADs in younger patients, this is the first time it has been performed on a patient aged nearly 80 at our hospital,” he said.