A 54-year-old mother from Haryana, who had been battling end-stage heart failure for years, has been given a second chance at life after doctors at HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, successfully performed a life-saving heart transplant. The procedure marks a significant milestone in advanced cardiac care in Delhi-NCR and showcases the strengthening capabilities of the hospital’s heart failure and transplant programme.

For months, the patient’s condition had deteriorated despite aggressive medical management. She arrived at Manipal Hospitals in an extremely fragile state — her heart was functioning at just 15% capacity, fluid retention had caused swelling across her body, and breathlessness limited even the smallest movements. She had already undergone cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT-D), an advanced pacemaker intervention, and had been dependent on an intra-aortic balloon pump for 10 days. Yet her heart continued to fail.

After a tense month-long wait, a compatible heart became available from a private hospital in Gurgaon. A green corridor was swiftly created to ensure the donor heart reached Dwarka within the critical time window. What followed was a meticulously coordinated surgical effort led by Dr. Yugal Kishore Mishra, Chairman of the Manipal Institute of Cardiac Sciences and Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon.

In just 3 hours and 20 minutes, the team completed the transplant — and within moments, the new heart began beating strongly.

Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Mishra said, “This milestone reflects years of dedicated work in building a comprehensive and self-reliant heart failure and transplant program. By offering a full spectrum of interventions across all stages of heart failure, we ensure timely treatment. This transplant has not only prolonged the patient’s life but restored hope for her entire family. Her recovery in just 15 days has been remarkable.”

He also highlighted the need for early detection and intervention in women, where heart disease often progresses silently and rapidly.

Hospital Director Ms. Viji Varghese applauded the team’s exceptional coordination and precision. “Heart transplants are among the most complex procedures in cardiac surgery, especially in critically ill patients. This case demanded rapid decision-making, seamless teamwork, and advanced technology. It reflects the clinical strength and preparedness of Manipal Hospitals Dwarka,” she said.

The success further cements HCMCT Manipal Hospitals Dwarka as one of the leading centres for heart transplants and advanced heart failure care in the region. The hospital offers a wide range of interventions — from minimally invasive valve surgeries and CRT-D implants to LVAD support and TAVR — ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their condition.