Fortis Hospital Performs Life-Saving Double Valve Replacement On 25-Year-Old African Woman

Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, has successfully performed a life-saving double valve replacement surgery on a 25-year-old African woman suffering from severe rheumatic heart disease. The patient, who had been battling debilitating heart conditions for nearly 15 years, had a severely weakened heart, pumping at just 25 per cent capacity. The complex procedure was led by Dr. Vivek Jawali, Chairman of Cardiac Sciences at Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru.

The woman, Salma (name changed), had been suffering from aortic regurgitation (severe leakage of the aortic valve) and mitral stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve), which caused long-term damage to her heart and lungs. Her condition was complicated by repeated infections, leg wounds, multiple miscarriages, and the effects of blood thinners and medications. Despite seeking treatment from hospitals across the world, Salma had been turned away due to the high risks associated with her condition.

Upon her arrival at Fortis Hospital, a detailed medical evaluation confirmed the need for a high-risk double valve replacement surgery. The procedure, lasting 3.5 hours, involved replacing both the aortic and mitral valves, while also addressing her irregular heartbeat through an E-Maze procedure, which helps prevent abnormal electrical signals in the heart. The medical team also reduced the size of her left atrium to minimise the risk of blood clots.

Following the surgery, Salma faced significant challenges, including low blood pressure, kidney infections, and the need for dialysis. To stabilise her condition, the doctors employed ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a life-support system that temporarily took over the functions of her heart and lungs.

Despite the severe complications, Salma made a remarkable recovery and was discharged from the hospital in stable condition within a month.

Dr. Vivek Jawali commented on the complexity of the case, stating, “Salma’s condition was particularly challenging due to the long-term damage to her heart valves. The double valve replacement, combined with the E-Maze procedure and other interventions, was crucial in stabilising her heart function and addressing her irregular heartbeats.”

Akshay Oleti, Business Head at Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, added, “This case underscores Fortis' commitment to advanced cardiac care. The successful completion of such a high-risk surgery demonstrates our team’s expertise and dedication to providing transformative treatment for our patients.”