Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
January 24, 2025
Officials hailed the LVAD, often referred to as a 'mechanical heart,' as a critical life-saving device for patients suffering from end-stage heart failure.
The Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi Cantonment has achieved a significant milestone by performing India’s “first-ever” Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation using the advanced HeartMate 3 device at a government institution.
The Ministry of Defence has informed that the procedure was successfully conducted on a 49-year-old woman, the wife of a veteran from the armed forces, who had been awaiting a heart transplant for over two years.
Officials hailed the LVAD, often referred to as a 'mechanical heart,' as a critical life-saving device for patients suffering from end-stage heart failure.
"This marks a historic first for the Armed Forces Medical Services as well," the ministry stated.
The HeartMate 3 LVAD is a state-of-the-art device that assists patients with severe cardiac conditions by improving heart function through advanced technology.
Highlighting the significance of the procedure, the statement noted, "It offers hope to patients with severe cardiac conditions. The patient is recovering steadily under medical supervision, showcasing the success of high-quality teamwork."
Officials emphasized that the Army Hospital (R&R) has set a new benchmark for medical innovation and advanced care in government institutions, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in healthcare within the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The successful LVAD implantation has underscored the hospital’s relentless pursuit of excellence in medical care.
According to the defense ministry, this achievement could pave the way for broader applications of similar cutting-edge devices in public healthcare systems nationwide. By implementing such advanced procedures, the Army Hospital aims to improve outcomes for patients with end-stage cardiac conditions, especially those waiting for heart transplants.