JAMMU: In a major milestone for advanced cardiac care in Jammu and Kashmir, renowned cardiologist Nikhil Mahajan successfully performed a highly specialised Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure at KD Hospital on a 65-year-old woman suffering from severe aortic stenosis.
The patient had been admitted with complaints of severe chest pain, shortness of breath, giddiness and progressive difficulty in carrying out routine activities.
Detailed cardiac evaluation revealed critical narrowing of the aortic valve, a life-threatening condition known as severe aortic stenosis, which can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death if left untreated.
Considering the high-risk nature of conventional open-heart surgery in such patients, Dr Nikhil Mahajan opted for TAVI, one of the most advanced minimally invasive valve replacement procedures available in modern cardiology.
The procedure was performed successfully and the patient is reported to be recovering well.
TAVI is a specialised catheter-based procedure in which the diseased heart valve is replaced without opening the chest. The treatment is considered particularly beneficial for elderly and high-risk patients who may not be suitable candidates for conventional surgery.
With this latest intervention, Dr Nikhil Mahajan has now successfully performed seven TAVI procedures, making him the only doctor in Jammu and Kashmir currently performing the advanced procedure independently.
The achievement is being viewed as a significant development in the healthcare sector of the Union Territory.
Until recently, patients requiring TAVI procedures had to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir, particularly to Delhi and other tertiary care centres, often resulting in financial burden, emotional stress and delays in treatment.
Doctors and healthcare professionals described the successful procedure as a landmark achievement for advanced interventional cardiology in Jammu and Kashmir and said it reflects the growing medical infrastructure and expertise available within the region.
Dr Nikhil Mahajan said the successful establishment of TAVI services in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrates the commitment to bringing world-class cardiac treatment closer to patients in the region.
The management and staff of KD Hospital congratulated Dr Nikhil Mahajan and the cath lab team for the successful procedure and reaffirmed their commitment to providing advanced healthcare facilities to people across Jammu and Kashmir.
