Performed at Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre, Wanadongri, Nagpur
In a landmark moment for cardiac care in Central India, 1020 bedded Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and Research Centre (SMHRC), Wanadongri, successfully performed the region’s first Total Endoscopic Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery on May 21, 2025. The advanced, minimally invasive procedure was carried out by Dr. Sumbul Siddiqui and her Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) team, marking a significant stride in regional cardiac surgical capabilities.
“This is more than a technical success—it’s a statement of intent,” said Dr. Anup Marar, Director of DMIHER(DU) Off campus. “At SMHRC, we strive to make advanced care not just available, but accessible, affordable, and patient-centric. This procedure didn’t just require surgical skill—it demanded interdisciplinary synergy, technological precision, and immense human compassion. And our team delivered on every front.”
A Technological Milestone
The Total Endoscopic Mitral Valve Replacement is a highly specialized, minimally invasive surgery that mimics the precision of robotic techniques but relies on the surgeon’s dexterity, experience, and hand–eye coordination. By avoiding large chest incisions, it dramatically reduces trauma, pain, scarring, and recovery time for patients.
“This was not just a surgical milestone; it was a coordinated performance by a multi-disciplinary team that set a new benchmark for heart care in the region,” said Dr. Marar.
Behind Every Medical Milestone Is a Human Story
Narrating the case, Dr. Sumbul Siddiqui, CVTS Surgeon Incharge, shared: “Our patient—a 40-year-old woman from Umred—came to us struggling to breathe and suffering from palpitations. She had a history of chronic rheumatic heart disease, was in atrial fibrillation, and had previously undergone balloon mitral valvotomy.”
Her echocardiogram revealed a complex pathology: severe mitral stenosis, mild aortic regurgitation, global left ventricular hypokinesia, and reduced ejection fraction—rendering her a high-risk surgical candidate.
After admission to our Medical ICU, she was stabilized by Dr. Hemant Deshpande, ICU I/c and Intensivists TEAM and a stellar cardiology team led by Dr. Abhay Tidke and & Dr. Rahul Barai. Her echocardiogram revealed severe mitral stenosis, mild aortic regurgitation, global LV hypokinesia, and a reduced ejection fraction—making her a high-risk case.
She further added that, after comprehensive evaluation, we offered a solution that was both cutting-edge and life-saving: a Total Endoscopic Mitral Valve Replacement—a surgery that avoids large chest incisions, minimizes trauma, and ensures faster recovery with reduced ICU stays. “With the support of her family and her own courageous consent, we proceeded with a minimally invasive, life-saving approach. The rest, as they say, is history,” said Dr. Siddiqui.
Teamwork at the Heart of Success
Dr.Sumbul Siddiqui emphasized the critical role of each team member: “I had the privilege of leading the surgery, supported by a brilliant team—General Surgeons Dr. Ajay Hardas and Dr. Avinash Rinait, Clinical Assistant Dr. Awes Hasan, Cardiac Anesthetist Dr. Prasad Panbude, and Non-Invasive Cardiologist Dr. Gaurav Waghale. This landmark surgery is a proud reflection of teamwork, surgical excellence, and compassion.” Their technical expertise and clinical intuition made this landmark procedure possible.”
Dr. Anjali Borkar, HOD of Anesthesia, noted: “Managing anesthesia in such precision-based, minimally invasive procedures is a challenge and an honor. Our team ensured seamless support throughout the surgery, safeguarding patient safety at every step.”
Dr. Rajiv Sonarkar, HOD of Surgery, commented: “This achievement reflects the growing expertise and cohesive collaboration between departments at SMHRC. We are proud to support such pioneering efforts.”
Dr. Seema Singh, Nursing Director, highlighted: “The role of nursing staff cannot be overstated. Special appreciation to Sr. Prerna, Br. Ganesh, Sr. Christina Samuel (Perfusionist), Sr. Ragini, Br. Kishor, and the OT team, who ensured surgical flow and sterility. Post-operative care was managed with compassion and vigilance by Br. Ashish, Br. Swapnil, Sr. Pragati, Sr. Shruti and many others. The Main OT Incharge and Biomedical Department led by Mr.Amarjeet Baraskar, ensured every instrument, scope, and monitor functioned with reliability.”
Surgery Under MJPJAY – Equity in Excellence
What further elevates this achievement is that the surgery was performed free of cost under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), reinforcing SMHRC’s commitment to equity in excellence.
Dr. Vasant Gawande, Chief Medical Superintendent,SMHRC stated: “This successful case is a shining example of how advanced healthcare doesn’t have to come at a premium. With MJPJAY, we ensure that even the most sophisticated procedures are accessible to those in need.”
A Glimpse into the Future
“This achievement represents the future of cardiac surgery—not just minimally invasive, but maximally impactful,” concluded Dr. Anup Marar. “It showcases what’s possible when skill, teamwork, technology, and a commitment to public service converge.”
With this feat, SMHRC spearheaded by Shri.Sagar Meghe as envisioned by Shri.Dattaji Meghe has once again proven itself as a regional leader in complex, patient-friendly, affordable and compassionate healthcare delivery.
Prominently present during the press conference were Shri.Amit Das, Dr.Noorul Ameen and Shri.Sanket Surkar.
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