Shillong, May, 31: The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, successfully performed the highly complex Ozaki procedure, also known as Aortic Valve neocuspidization (AVNeo).
Compared to conventional valve replacement where an artificial valve made of metal or animal tissue is used, in the Ozaki procedure, the damaged valves are replaced with reconstructed valves made from patient’s own tissue surrounding the heart. This eliminates the need for lifelong blood thinner medication.
Developed by Prof. Shigeyuki Ozaki of Toho University Ohashi Hospital, Japan, this procedure also preserves the natural function of the heart, making it particularly suitable for younger patients or those who have small valve. The reconstructed valve can potentially grow and adapt to the patient’s changing needs over time and drastically decreases the costs of cardiac surgery.
So far, a 10-year-old girl from Tripura and a 69-year-old man from Assam have benefited from this novel technique at NEIGRIHMS. Dr. Reuben L Kynta (Head, CTVS) led the team comprising Doctors Sanjib Rawat, Neelamjingbha Sun, Aspari Azeez, Rajni Thabah, Priyanka Dev, Avinab Dey and Dhayanithy M with support from perfusionists Mrinal Mandal and Loosar Dkhar. The required technical support for the complex procedures was provided by dedicated technical and nursing staff of the CTVS OT, ICU, and ward ensuring success.
Prof. (Dr.) Nalin Mehta, Director NEIGRIHMS congratulated the team for their pioneering efforts in performing this technically demanding procedure using autologous pericardium to reconstruct the aortic valve cusps.
He also appreciated the support team for their unwavering dedication that ensured safety, efficiency, and successful outcomes.
He also reiterated that NEIGRIHMS would leave no stone unturned in providing quality cardiac care to the entire North Eastern Region. Medical Superintendent Sr. Prof. A. Mishra congratulated the team and stated that the complex cases addressed by cardiac sciences departments of the hospital contributed to the eminence of NEIGRIHMS.
