Mangaluru: KMC Hospital, Dr B R Ambedkar Circle, Mangaluru has successfully performed a rare and complex heart surgery on a middle-aged male patient suffering from an unruptured Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm coupled with severe aortic regurgitation—an extremely rare congenital heart defect found in less than 1% of the population.
The intricate surgery was led by a team of specialists including Dr Harish Raghavan, Dr Madhav Kamath, and Dr Iresh Shetty from the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Department. The team was supported by Dr Panchakshari Gowda, Cardiac Anaesthetist, and Dr M N Bhat, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, along with the surgical and post-operative care team at KMC Hospital.
Early symptoms lead to life-saving intervention
The patient, referred to as Rohit (name changed), had been facing fatigue, breathlessness during daily activities, and swelling in both legs for several months. These troubling symptoms prompted a comprehensive cardiac evaluation which led to the diagnosis of a Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. This rare condition causes part of the aortic wall to balloon outward, placing pressure on surrounding heart structures and impairing the function of the aortic valve.
Dr Harish Raghavan explained, “This was a rare case involving an unruptured Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm alongside severe aortic regurgitation. The well-defined aneurysmal neck allowed us to perform a patch closure and aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis in a controlled environment. The surgery was successful, and the patient’s recovery was uneventful.”
Critical care and multidisciplinary success
The defect, if left untreated, could have led to rupture and sudden cardiac complications. However, the patient’s timely evaluation ensured the surgical team could intervene before the condition became life-threatening.
Mr Saghir Siddiqui, Regional Chief Operating Officer of KMC Hospital, noted, “This case exemplifies the power of early diagnosis and the strength of our multidisciplinary cardiac care approach. The expertise of our surgical team, supported by top-tier diagnostic and post-operative care, led to a positive outcome for the patient. We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge cardiac interventions to patients in the region.”
Following the successful operation, the patient’s cardiac function improved significantly. He was discharged within a week and is recovering well, free from the earlier symptoms that had impaired his daily life.
With a continued focus on advanced surgical techniques, early detection, and integrated care pathways, KMC Hospital Mangaluru continues to set new standards in the management of rare and high-risk cardiac conditions.