Expressnews
Chennai, December, 2024: Apollo Hospitals under the team led by Dr G Sengottuvelu, India’s leading interventional cardiologist and head of structural heart program at Apollo hospitals, achieved another milestone in advanced cardiac care by performing India’s first implantation of the new-generation Allegra Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) system for an elderly patient with a previously failed surgical valve.
This achievement underscores Apollo Hospitals’ leadership in adopting cutting-edge technologies to deliver superior patient outcomes and sets a benchmark for minimally invasive cardiac care in the country. The burden of aortic valve disease is increasing worldwide due to an increase in the aging population and TAVI is now become the first line management in many patients. Despite favourable outcomes with the first-generation TAVI devices, several issues remain. The new Allegra valve, developed by Biosensors International, is a novel self-expanding TAVI device designed to address the limitations of first-generation valves. With its supraannular short-frame height design, it ensures low gradients, enhanced hemodynamic performance, and superior long-term durability. Its six gold radiopaque markers allow precise implantation while minimizing the need for contrast, making it ideal for patients with severe calcified aortic valve stenosis or failed surgical valve bioprosthesis.
The team led by Dr G Sengottuvelu, India’s leading interventional cardiologist and head of structural heart program at Apollo hospitals, Chennai, performedthis groundbreaking case, a 78-year-old patient, who had undergone valve replacement surgery in 2015 with a Biocor 21 mm valve and CABG surgery, presented with severe valve degeneration and a failed surgical valve. The Allegra valve, with its advanced features, was chosen for its ability to ensure optimal hemodynamic performance in such a challenging scenario. The procedure involved fracturing the previously failed valve and the successful implantation of the Allegra valve. Post-procedure, the valve gradient reduced significantly from 63 mmHg to 3 mmHg, with no leak, achieving exceptional results. The patient was awake and conscious immediately after the procedure and was discharged the next day.
Dr Sengottuvelu said, “ The successful implantation of the Allegra valve showcases the potential of next-generation TAVI devices in managing complex valve cases. With its precise design and superior performance, the Allegra valve ensures not only optimal outcomes but also an enhanced recovery experience for patients.”
Dr Sengottuvelu further added that “the Allegra valve with its innovative design minimizes stress on the valve leaflets, enhancing durability and long-term performance and more suitable for this patient with failed surgical valve.”
Apollo Hospitals Chennai continues to lead the way in adopting pioneering technologies to deliver exceptional care. The successful launch of the Allegra valve in India opens new avenues for managing high-risk and challenging cardiac cases, ensuring better outcomes and quality of life for patients.
