MMM Achieves India-First, World-First Evaheart 3 LVAD Implant, Saving Critically Ill Heart Failure Patient
Chennai, March 24, 2026: In a landmark advancement for cardiac care in India, Madras Medical Mission (MMM) has successfully performed the country’s first implantation of the Evaheart Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), while also achieving a global first with the implantation of the latest-generation Evaheart 3 model. The breakthrough procedure offers renewed hope for patients suffering from end-stage heart failure with limited treatment options.
The procedure was carried out on a 42-year-old man who presented with severe chest pain and breathlessness and was diagnosed with a massive heart attack that caused extensive damage to the heart muscle. Despite aggressive medical management, including pharmacological support and an intra-aortic balloon pump, his condition deteriorated into advanced heart failure, compounded by kidney dysfunction. Due to the severity of his condition, he was deemed unsuitable for conventional interventions such as bypass surgery or angioplasty.
With no viable alternatives, the medical team opted for advanced mechanical circulatory support through an LVAD.
Explaining the decision, Dr Vijit Cherian, Director – Heart Transplant at MMM, said that the critical nature of the case necessitated the use of the most advanced available device. The team selected the Evaheart system, manufactured by a Texas-based firm, and secured a special import license from the Government of India, as this was the first time the device was being used in the country. Engineers from the United States and Japan assisted during the procedure. Notably, the Evaheart 3 model implanted in this case marks its first-ever use anywhere in the world.
The complex five-hour surgery was performed using a heart-lung machine. Surgeons implanted the device into the left ventricle and connected an outflow graft to the aorta. Once activated, the LVAD immediately restored systemic blood circulation, leading to marked improvement in organ function, including the kidneys.
The Evaheart 3 represents a new generation of centrifugal LVAD technology, offering improved pump efficiency and significantly lower risks of complications such as blood clots, bleeding, and infections. Its advanced design also minimizes blood cell damage, making it a safer and more durable solution for long-term cardiac support.
Highlighting its significance, Dr Ajit Mullasari, Director – Cardiology at MMM, noted that only about 20 hospitals in India currently have the capability to perform such advanced procedures. He added that the Evaheart 3 has the potential to transform outcomes for patients with end-stage heart failure, particularly for those who are not candidates for heart transplantation. The device can serve as a long-term support system, sustaining patients for months or even years.
Post-surgery, the patient showed steady recovery. Temporary rhythm disturbances were effectively managed, and he was gradually weaned off ventilatory support. With stable device performance, he has since been mobilised, with the LVAD fully supporting his cardiac function.
The surgical team included Dr Arumugam C, Senior Consultant – Cardiac & Heart Failure Surgeon, and Dr Shanmugaperumal, Senior Consultant – Anaesthesia, alongside Dr Vijit Cherian.
Also present during the procedure was Dr Tadashi Motomura, inventor and CEO of Evaheart Inc., who provided technical guidance.
This milestone reinforces MMM’s position at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation in India, combining clinical excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver life-saving care.
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