Dr RK Jaswal and his team successfully perform a rare and challenging Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) on a high-risk patient.
Chandigarh:
In a breakthrough achievement, the Cardiology team at Fortis Hospital Mohali, led by Dr RK Jaswal, Head and Director of Cardiology and Director – Cathlabs, successfully performed a highly complex Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) on a 62-year-old patient suffering from severe heart disease and multiple co-morbidities. The patient was deemed unfit for open-heart surgery, making the procedure a life-saving intervention.
Unlike traditional surgery, TAVR involves implanting a new aortic valve through minimally invasive techniques. Typically, the procedure is performed by passing a wire from the groin artery into the blocked valve. However, in this rare case, the patient’s native valve was severely calcified and deformed, preventing the wire from crossing.
To overcome this challenge, Dr Jaswal and his team adopted an innovative approach. They accessed the heart via the groin vein, entered the right chambers, crossed into the left side through a septal puncture, and navigated the valve in the opposite direction with the help of natural blood flow. This unique method enabled successful implantation of the new valve, restoring normal blood circulation.
The patient, diagnosed with Bicuspid Pinhole Severe Aortic Stenosis—a congenital condition where the aortic valve has only two flaps instead of three—had been experiencing severe breathlessness and fatigue. Post-procedure, he recovered smoothly and was discharged within three days.
Sharing insights, Dr Jaswal said, “TAVR is the most advanced, minimally-invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. This technology helps replace a narrowed aortic valve that restricts blood flow, and is especially beneficial for high-risk patients.” He added that he is the first certified independent TAVR operator in North India and has been conducting such surgeries successfully at Fortis Mohali.
The success of this complex case was also presented by Dr Jaswal at India Valve 2025, a premier conference bringing together global cardiology experts.
With this milestone, Fortis Mohali has further established itself as a leading center for advanced cardiac care in the region, offering high-risk patients hope through cutting-edge, non-surgical interventions.
