The Department of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital Mohali led by Dr RK Jaswal, Senior Director and Head of Department, Cardiology, and Director – Cathlabs, recently gave a new lease of life to a 61-year-old patient by undertaking non-surgical trans-catheter repair of Barlow Syndrome (congenital abnormality), with torrential leaking of mitral valves of the heart via MitraClip procedure.
The congenital abnormality had caused very large degenerated mitral valve leaflets with torrentially leaking valves. As the leaflets of the mitral valve in the patient’s heart did not close properly, blood flowed backward into his lungs. Due to this, the patient was experiencing poor quality of life and shortness of breath even after self-care activities. Given his deteriorating health condition, the patient approached Dr Jaswal at Fortis Hospital Mohali recently.
Dr Jaswal found that this large valve with severe incompetence had led to enlargement of the patient’s heart, irregular heart rhythm and had caused fluid congestion in his lungs due to back pressure. The technical challenge was that the mitral valve leaflets were very large (posterior leaflets were more than 10 mm) and there was a huge coaptation gap (16 mm) at the time of valve closure. Such valve anatomies are highly challenging to correct via trans-catheter mitra clips without surgery. In a majority of such cases, an open heart surgery is the only viable option.
In this case, the team of doctors led by Dr Jaswal successfully deployed two largest clips to repair the patient’s mitral valve and achieved significant reduction in the leaking valve. The patient had a smooth post-operative recovery and was discharged three days after the surgery on 21st July, 2026.
Discussing the case, Dr Jaswal, said, “Non-surgical repair of such valves is a preferred modality these days due to safety and quick recovery. However, this kind of congenital grossly-deformed valves are highly challenging to be repaired without surgery.” Dr Jaswal further said the patient had recovered and had resumed his normal life activities.
About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 36 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 12 states and union territories. The Company’s network comprises over 6,000 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs.
ABOUT IHH HEALTHCARE (“IHH”)
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In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network. www.ihhhealthcare.com
