A 32-year-old engineer has triumphed over recurrent heart failure and severe health challenges with the help of a dedicated medical team at Aster Hospitals. His journey, marked by resilience and unwavering support from his family, culminated in a second successful heart transplant in December 2023.

The patient's struggle began in 2016 when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart dysfunction. With no hope for recovery and facing irreversible heart damage, he underwent his first heart transplant. Despite financial constraints, his father and partner secured the necessary funds for the surgery, which was completed without complications. He remained stable until 2020, defying a prognosis that gave him only a 75% survival rate.

In 2018, the patient married his partner, who stood by him as a pillar of strength. However, their journey took a challenging turn in 2020 when he contracted severe COVID-19, requiring intensive care. He made a full recovery, and the couple's joy was further multiplied by the birth of their daughter.

In 2021, new health issues emerged. The patient experienced chest pain and backaches, leading to a diagnosis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, a narrowing of the arteries in his transplanted heart. A follow-up echocardiogram in 2022 revealed severe biventricular dysfunction, necessitating a second heart transplant.

Recognising the complexity of the case, a team of cardiologists led by Dr. Nagamalesh U M mobilized to perform the life-saving heart re-transplant surgery, marking a first in Karnataka and only the second in India. The complex procedure, carried out in December 2023, initially faced complications due to bleeding and rejection episodes. However, through meticulous management with regular biopsies and close monitoring, the patient achieved a successful recovery.

Now, six months post-transplant, the patient has no further complications. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed immense gratitude to the medical team, led by Dr. Ganeshakrishnan Iyer and supported by Dr. Divakar Bhat, Dr. Arul Dominic Furtado, Dr. Madhusudana Narayana, Dr. Prashanth Y M, and Lead Cardiologist Dr. Nagamalesh U M. "The past few years have been a medical rollercoaster for me. Finding out I needed a second transplant was a setback, but the exceptional team of surgeons extended their support throughout my treatment journey. I am immensely grateful for their expertise and compassion. They have given me the gift of renewed health and the opportunity to look forward to the future," said the patient.

Commenting on the surgery, Prof. Dr. Nagamalesh U M, Lead Consultant - Cardiology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, highlighted the challenges and success of the procedure. "The patient’s post-transplant course included significant bleeding events due to the second surgery and the ongoing requirement for blood thinners and rejections. However, through meticulous monitoring and regular endomyocardial biopsies, these challenges were effectively managed. Importantly, the patient has now achieved a successful six-month post-operative period with no further complications, demonstrating his remarkable resilience and the invaluable support of his loved ones."

Dr. Ganeshakrishnan Iyer, Lead Consultant - CTVS Surgery, praised the team's dedication and expertise. "Heart re-transplant was a complex procedure, requiring meticulous planning, exceptional skill from the entire team, and seamless communication throughout the process. I'm proud of the dedication and expertise displayed by every member of the team. This case exemplifies the power of collaboration in achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients."

Mr. Ramesh Kumar S, CEO of Aster Hospitals, Bangalore, expressed pride in the team's achievement. "We are proud to mention this is the second in the country and the first heart transplant in Karnataka. Dr. Nagamalesh and his team's expertise and dedication not only provided the patient with a second chance at life but also offered hope to individuals facing similar complex cardiac conditions. We wish the patient a brighter future."