TAVR Surgery Paves Way for Future Advancements in Cardiovascular Treatment
Swapnil R Mishra
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Daksha Ashar, 83-year-old weighing a mere 38 kilograms, has successfully undergone a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure at a prominent hospital in Mumbai, potentially setting a new benchmark for India’s lightest patient to undergo this complex surgery.
Ashar’s remarkable story showcases the hospital’s commitment to innovative healthcare and its expert team’s exceptional skill. This pioneering procedure paves the way for future advancements in cardiovascular treatment.
TAVR surgery
TAVR is a minimally invasive surgery replacing the aortic valve, typically recommended for high-risk or inoperable patients. The success of Ashar’s procedure demonstrates the potential for TAVR in patients with extreme conditions.
Daksha Ashar, 83, had been struggling to catch her breath due to severe aortic stenosis, a common yet debilitating heart condition afflicting the elderly. Her aortic valve, critically narrowed, left her exhausted, wracked with chest pain and prone to fainting spells.
“I recounts harrowing struggle with aortic stenosis as I was trapped in a body that couldn’t keep up. Simple walks became daunting marathons, leaving me winded and exhausted. Every breath was a chore, every step a testament to my fragility,” Daksha recalled.
After years of suffering, Daksha found solace at HN Reliance Hospital under Dr. Maulik Parekh’s expertise. Despite her fragile condition, narrow arteries and curved spine, his team bravely opted for TAVR. This groundbreaking procedure replaced her damaged aortic valve, defying conventional surgical risks. Today, Daksha walks with ease, breathes freely and rejoices in renewed life.
A team of experts at HN Reliance Hospital successfully implanted the Medtronic Evolut FX valve in Daksha Ashar, a patient with severe aortic stenosis and complex anatomy. This innovative valve, designed for small or intricate anatomies, enabled a minimally invasive procedure. Utilizing the Medtronic Evolut FX valve allowed us to provide Daksha with a life-changing solution, despite her fragile condition and complex anatomy.

A team of skilled surgeons at successfully performed a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on Daksha, utilizing local anesthesia to minimize risks. In under an hour, they precisely implanted a new valve within the existing one, enabling immediate function on her beating heart.
Notably, this complex procedure was broadcast live to 1,000 cardiologists in Chennai, showcasing advanced techniques and cementing the hospital’s reputation for innovative cardiac care. The flawless surgery executed by Dr. Maulik Parekh and his team demonstrated exceptional technical precision, paving the way for new standards in cardiac treatment.
Daksha Ashar’s remarkable recovery from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery at HN Reliance Hospital exceeded expectations. Within 24 hours, she was walking, and in under 48 hours, she was discharged, heralding a new era in cardiac care.
This minimally invasive procedure not only saved her life but also demonstrated TAVR’s potential to revive elderly and frail patients previously ineligible for traditional surgeries, offering a second lease on life and redefining treatment possibilities for high-risk individuals. Dr. Maulik Parekh and his team’s expertise paved the way for innovative cardiac care, transforming patient outcomes.
Dr. Maulik Parekh underscored the gravity of Daksha’s condition, citing multiple complexities that made her case exceptionally challenging. “Daksha suffered from severe aortic stenosis, exacerbated by cardiac cachexia, leading to extreme weight loss and frailty.
Her advanced age and low body weight significantly reduced the margin for error, as her organs’ reserves were severely depleted. Even minor complications or deviations from standard procedures could have catastrophic consequences, making precise surgical expertise crucial for survival.” This high-stakes scenario highlights the team’s remarkable achievement in successfully performing the TAVR procedure.”
This medical milestone underscores TAVR’s role in revolutionizing cardiac treatment, ensuring improved outcomes for high-risk patients worldwide.”
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