Jayadeva Hospital in Mysuru performs rare heart procedure on 73-year-old patient

The Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research in Mysuru has successfully performed a rare heart procedure known as the Unicorn technique on a 73-year-old patient. The patient, Kamalamma Marigowda, a resident of Goralli village in Periyapatna taluk, was not suitable for open-heart surgery, prompting doctors to opt for this advanced procedure.

According to Dr. K. S. Sadanand, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, this is the fourth Unicorn procedure performed in Karnataka and the first at Jayadeva Hospital. The procedure was carried out by a team led by Dr. Harshabasappa and Dr. Shrinidhi Heggade.

The Unicorn technique is used during a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure to prevent potentially fatal blockage of the coronary arteries that may occur during valve replacement. The hospital statement noted that the procedure was performed on September 13, 2024.

On the same day, the medical team also performed a complex TAVI procedure on another 73-year-old patient, S. Siddaraju from Anasale village in Malavalli taluk. Siddaraju had severe calcification of the aortic valve. After implantation of an artificial valve, he developed a rare complication known as a frozen leaflet. The team resolved the problem through catheter manipulation, avoiding the need for surgery.

Dr. Harshabasappa stated that successfully carrying out two highly complex TAVI procedures on the same day demonstrates that the Mysuru unit of Jayadeva Hospital is fully equipped to provide world-class structural heart interventions.

Both patients are recovering well, the hospital confirmed.