MERIDIAN HOSPITAL PERFORMS RARE, HIGH-RISK COMBINED HEART SURGERY TO SAVE 58-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FACING DUAL THREAT
Patient suffered from both complete stent failure and severe aortic valve leakage, either condition alone could have been fatal
CHENNAI — July, 2026 — In a major medical breakthrough, Chennai based Meridian Hospital, a 300-bedded multi-super specialty known for its comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to healthcare, proudly announced its remarkable achievement has successfully performed a complex, high-risk combined cardiac procedure to save the life of a 58-year-old woman suffering from a critical, life-threatening combination of dual threat heart conditions. Led by renowned Senior Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Moosa Kunhi, a specialized multidisciplinary team achieved a flawless outcome with the patient mobilised within 48 hours of surgery.
The 58-year-old patient was admitted with severe breathlessness, recurrent chest pain and symptoms of advanced heart failure. She had previously undergone angioplasty with stent placement at another hospital in Chennai just six months earlier after being diagnosed with a blocked coronary artery. However, despite the intervention, her symptoms progressively worsened. Further evaluation revealed that the stent had become completely blocked (in-stent restenosis) significantly reducing blood supply to the heart muscle and Diagnostic tests also confirmed severe leakage of the aortic valve.
While making this case more exceptionally rare and complex with the “double threat” nature, as the patient suffered from both a failed stent causing severe coronary ischaemia and severe aortic valve leakage, which had enlarged her heart, reduced pumping function and led to recurrent life‑threatening pulmonary edema.
Either of these conditions alone could be fatal. Having both in a single patient makes the case exceptionally complex and dangerous. While the combined AVR + CABG procedure itself is a standard, evidence-based treatment, this particular case is rare and unique because of the severity and combination of the patient’s conditions.
Dr. Moosa Kunhi, Senior Cardiac Surgeon, Meridian Hospital, who led the surgical team, explained the gravity of the case: “The severe leakage of the aortic valve had caused the heart to enlarge considerably, while its pumping capacity had reduced significantly. Repeated episodes of pulmonary edema made it difficult for the patient to walk, sleep, or perform routine activities. To make matters worse, the stent she had received just six months earlier had completely failed. We were dealing with two independent, life-threatening cardiac failures in a single patient – a clinical scenario that is rare and demands exceptional surgical expertise.”
Given the complexity of the case, the cardiac team recommended a high-risk open-heart surgery involving replacement of the diseased aortic valve with a mechanical prosthetic valve and bypass grafting to restore blood flow around the blocked coronary artery, using a vein harvested from the patient’s leg. The six-hour procedure was performed successfully by a team led by Dr. Moosa Kunhi, supported by Dr. Senthil (Cardiologist), Dr. Aravind (Cardiac Anaesthetist) and Dr. Janvi (Cardiac Surgeon).
The patient’s recovery was remarkable. She was mobilised within 48 hours of surgery and postoperative investigations confirmed normal functioning of the artificial valve, complete elimination of the valve leakage and improved cardiac pumping function. She is now medically fit for discharge and will continue lifelong anticoagulant therapy as part of her postoperative care.
Speaking on the broader health implications, Dr. Moosa highlighted the growing burden of combined heart valve disease and coronary artery disease in India: “Heart valve disorders are increasingly being diagnosed alongside coronary artery blockages. Early diagnosis through regular health screenings and timely treatment can significantly improve survival and quality of life. This case is a powerful reminder that stenting is not a permanent cure and regular monitoring after stenting is essential. The combination of a failed stent and severe valve leakage is rare, but when it happens, it requires the highest level of surgical expertise.”
The successful completion of this surgery demonstrates the hospital’s capability to handle the most complex and high-risk cardiac emergencies, providing patients with life-saving treatment closer to home
