First in South India: SIMS Hospital Saves Youngest Patient with Rare Porcelain Aorta and Aortic Valve Block Condition

Chennai, 7th October 2025 — In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, successfully performed a life-saving heart surgery on a 28-year-old engineering student from Kerala, who was battling a rare and life-threatening combination of cardiac conditions — porcelain aorta and aortic valve stenosis.

L-R: Dr. Raju Sivasamy, Vice President, SIMS Hospital; Dr. V V Bashi, Director & Senior Consultant, Institute of Cardiac & Advanced Aortic Diseases; Paitent- Mr. Aachu; Dr. Mohammed Idhrees, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon

The young man had been suffering from severe breathlessness for two months and was turned away by multiple hospitals in Kerala due to the complexity of his condition. The porcelain aorta — a heavily calcified and fragile main artery — along with the narrowing of the aortic valve, made surgery extremely high-risk.

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Undeterred, the patient sought help at the Aortic Aneurysm Centre at SIMS Hospital. A specialized surgical team led by Dr. V V Bashi, Director of the Institute of Cardiac & Advanced Aortic Diseases, and Dr. Mohammed Idhrees, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, undertook the challenging procedure. They were supported by anesthetists Dr. Aju Jacob and Dr. Arun Kumar A, along with a team of nurses and perfusionists.

The complex five-hour surgery involved a mechanical aortic valve replacement, a difficult task due to the fragile, eggshell-like nature of the calcified aorta. Dr. Bashi explained, “Both the valve and the aorta were severely affected — an extremely rare occurrence in someone so young. Without surgery, the patient’s survival was at serious risk.”

Dr. Idhrees added, “Operating on a porcelain aorta is like suturing eggshell. There’s a high risk of calcium fragments causing complications like stroke. But with precise planning and care, we were able to minimize risks and successfully complete the operation.”

Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman of SIMS Hospital, lauded the surgical team, calling the operation a "medical milestone" and a testament to the hospital's commitment to tackling complex cardiac cases. The patient is currently recovering well and is expected to lead a normal life with ongoing care.

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