The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong in Meghalaya, recently performed a complex valve repair surgery using the Ozaki procedure, also known as Aortic Valve Neocuspidization (AVNeo).
Two patients, a 10-year-old girl from Tripura and a 69-year-old man from Assam, have already benefited from this novel technique.
Unlike conventional valve replacement, which uses artificial valves made of metal or animal tissue, the Ozaki procedure reconstructs the damaged valve using the patient’s own tissue surrounding the heart.
This approach eliminates the need for lifelong blood thinner medication. Developed by Prof. Shigeyuki Ozaki of Toho University Ohashi Hospital in Japan, the procedure also preserves the heart’s natural function, making it particularly suitable for younger patients or those with small valves.
The reconstructed valve can potentially grow and adapt to the patient’s changing needs over time, significantly reducing the cost of cardiac surgery.
The CTVS team was led by Dr. Reuben L Kynta and assisted by Dr Sanjib Rawat, Dr Neelamjingbha Sun, Dr Aspari Azeez, Dr Rajni Thabah, Dr Priyanka Dev, Dr Avinab Dey, and Dr Dhayanithy M, with the support of perfusionists Mrinal Mandal and Loosar Dkhar, as well as the technical and nursing staff.
NEIGRIHMS Director Prof. (Dr.) Nalin Mehta 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.
The Director 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 also congratulated the team and stated that the complex cases addressed by cardiac sciences departments of the hospital contributed to the eminence of NEIGRIHMS.
