Apollo Navi Mumbai's eighth successful Heart Transplant

An inspiring journey of survival and resilience as a 40-year-old heart transplant patient triumphs over a rare heart condition; receives new heart after 2-year wait

Navi Mumbai, 30 May 2023: Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, one of the most advanced multi-specialty quaternary care hospitals in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, proudly announces its successful eighth heart transplant surgery. The heart transplant is a testament to the inspiring journey of survival and resilience of a 40-year-old male, grappling with the rare and life-threatening condition of ‘Amyloidosis’, which has culminated in an inspiring victory against the odds. It also exemplifies Apollo’s dedication to world-class healthcare with a skilled and empathetic team. Apollo also supports their economically compromised patients through trust & crowdfunding helping the outreach of its advanced medical facilities to deserving & needy patients.

The patient came from Buldhana, Maharashtra to Apollo suffering from severe chest pain, frequent breathlessness, and fatigue. An extensive investigation revealed that the patient was in irreversible heart failure due to Amyloidosis. Amyloidosis is characterized by the accumulation of proteins in the form of abnormal, insoluble fibres that are deposited in tissues and organs throughout the body, impairing their normal function. In the patient’s case, the amyloidosis had affected his heart, causing amyloid cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The heart’s functioning was severely disrupted with a heart transplant the only option for survival.

On April 4th, 2023, AHNM was informed of a brain-dead individual at a South Mumbai hospital. Apollo’s expert heart transplant team swiftly retrieved the heart and, with the commendable assistance of the traffic control police, Mumbai & Navi Mumbai, the donor's heart was transported to Apollo through a green corridor, covering 40 km in just 46 minutes. The heart transplant surgery was conducted successfully with no complications. The patient was financially supported for the surgery and treatment through trust funding.

"Recognizing the severity of his condition, we immediately began symptomatic management and after counseling, put the patient on the transplant waiting list," said Dr. Sanjeev Jadhav, Consultant, CVTS, Heart & Lung Transplant Surgery at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. "The patient's resilience and the unwavering support from his family helped him manage the disease for two years while waiting for a heart donor. This case is an example of the power of medical science, and the importance of organ donation."

"From the retrieval of the donor's heart to its successful implantation in the recipient, the Apollo transplant team worked in perfect synchrony, ensuring the heart was safely transported, carefully preserved, and expertly transplanted, all within a critical time frame. The intricate heart transplant surgery, spanning over 4 hours, is a testament to our team's precision and expertise. The heart transplant was a success and an example of the proficiency that are hallmarks of the organ transplant program at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai," explained Dr. Jadhav. "The patient is now in the recovery phase in the heart transplant ICU, demonstrating remarkable progress every day."

The patient, overwhelmed by his life-changing experience, expressed his gratitude. "I am forever indebted to the entire team at Apollo Hospitals for giving me a second chance at life. From being placed on the transplant waiting list in 2021 to receiving a new heart in April 2023, it was Apollo’s continuous medical & financial support and unwavering commitment to my health that gave me strength for two years. I feel like I can finally start living again and this new lease on life is a gift I cherish every day."

This milestone achievement also highlights the dedication of the Heart Transplant team at AHNM, which included Dr. Sanjeev Jadhav, Dr. Shantesh Kaushik – Consultant CVTS, Dr. Saurabh Tiwari - Consultant Anaesthesiology, Dr. Haridas - Consultant Anaesthesiology, Dr. Leena - Consultant Anaesthesiology, and Dr. Gunadhar Padhi- Consultant Critical Care.

Mr. Santosh Marathe, Regional CEO – Western Region, Apollo Hospitals praised the team's efforts, stating, "This successful surgery stands as a testament to our commitment to providing advanced health services at par with the best in the world. We are extremely proud of our heart transplant team for their unparalleled dedication and expertise. This success story strengthens our resolve to continue making a difference in the lives of our patients as we strive to stay at the forefront of advanced medical care, helping our patients battle the most complex health conditions. AHNM runs a very active transplant program comprising liver, kidney, heart & corneal transplants. We have a multidisciplinary team facilitated by post-operative care, competent nursing staff, a rehab program, and a heart failure clinic.”