MGM Healthcare Achieves India’s First LVAD Implant in Nearly 80-Year-Old Heart Failure Patient

Chennai, May 21, 2026: In a landmark achievement in advanced cardiac care, MGM Healthcare has successfully implanted a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mechanical heart pump, in a nearly 80-year-old retired Chennai resident suffering from advanced heart failure along with multiple co-morbidities, including low blood pressure, worsening kidney function and lung congestion.

L-R: Dr. Rajesh Ratanlal Agarwal, Medical Director, Dr. Suresh Rao K G, Co- Director- Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support, Patient and Dr. K R Balakrishnan, Chairman- Cardiac Sciences, Director- Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support at MGM Healthcare. 

The patient had been battling severe left ventricular systolic heart failure, a condition in which the left ventricle of the heart becomes too weak to pump sufficient blood to the body. Due to the deteriorating condition, he frequently experienced severe breathlessness and required repeated ICU admissions. In one instance, he had to be readmitted to the ICU on the very same day he was discharged from the hospital.

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With his condition worsening and conventional treatment options proving ineffective, the patient sought a permanent solution to his recurring breathlessness and failing heart function.

Given his advanced age, fragile clinical condition and declining kidney function, doctors ruled out heart transplantation. Instead, the medical team opted for implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mechanical pump that supports the weakened left ventricle by taking over much of its blood-pumping function.

The complex procedure was successfully performed by a team led by Dr. K R Balakrishnan, Chairman – Cardiac Sciences and Director – Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support, along with Dr. Suresh Rao K G, Co- Director- Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & mechanical Circulatory Support 

Following the surgery, the patient underwent three weeks of recovery in the hospital before being discharged. Doctors said he is now living independently, taking regular walks and leading an active lifestyle.

Explaining the medical challenge, Dr. K R Balakrishnan said the patient’s left side of the heart had become extremely weak, resulting in repeated breathlessness and hospitalisations. He noted that a conventional heart transplant was not feasible due to the patient’s age, fragile condition and deteriorating kidney function.

He further said that even LVAD implantation carried considerable risk as multiple organs were beginning to fail, making timely intervention critical. The medical team therefore conducted extensive evaluations, including heart function studies, lung pressure assessments and checks on vital organs before proceeding with the surgery.

Dr. Suresh Rao K G said LVAD technology was initially introduced as a bridge-to-transplant option for critically ill patients awaiting donor hearts, but is now increasingly being used selectively as a long-term therapy for patients unsuitable for transplantation. He added that while the hospital had previously implanted LVADs in several patients below 65 years of age, this marked the first such procedure in a patient close to 80 years old.

Nilesh Mundada, COO of MGM Healthcare and Senior Vice President – Finance, MGM Group, said the successful procedure reflected the hospital’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of advanced cardiac care and bringing life-saving innovations to patients. He added that as heart failure continues to emerge as a growing health concern, the hospital remains committed to delivering world-class treatment solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

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