Advanced devices & innovative therapies offer new hope in India’s heart care revolution: Dr Nagesh Waghmare

Advanced devices & innovative therapies offer new hope in India’s heart care revolution: Dr Nagesh Waghmare

Posted on January 1, 2025 Updated on December 29, 2024

The integration of advanced technology into cardiac care is transforming the treatment of heart failure, according to Dr Nagesh S Waghmare, Interventional Cardiologist at Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre. He emphasized the critical role of device-driven innovations, such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, in addressing arrhythmias and enhancing ventricular synchrony in heart failure patients.

“These advancements, coupled with remote monitoring capabilities, are allowing healthcare professionals to detect and manage complications earlier than ever before,” said Dr. Waghmare.

Heart failure has become a pressing public health issue in India, contributing significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Studies estimate that 8 to 10 million Indians suffer from heart failure, driven by factors such as aging, urbanization, and increasing rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Beyond ICDs and CRT devices, other breakthroughs are reshaping cardiac care. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), today, offer durable, patient-friendly solutions for advanced heart failure. LVADs, primarily used to treat advanced heart failure, have transformed into systems that are both more long-lasting and convenient for patients. An LVAD is a mechanical pump implanted in the chest to help a weakened heart pump blood throughout the body. It’s attached to the heart’s left ventricle and the aorta, taking over the heart’s pumping function. LVADs are powered by batteries and come with a controller for monitoring and adjustments. By assisting the heart in pumping blood effectively, LVADs help in improving circulation and relieving symptoms of heart failure and additionally serve as a bridge to transplantation or as a long-term therapy. In recent years, LVADs have emerged as a viable option for treating people suffering from advanced heart failure.

Minimally invasive treatments like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) have become viable alternatives to traditional open-heart surgeries for valve diseases. They are minimally invasive options for valve diseases, providing effective alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery.

In parallel, regenerative medicine is making strides, with stem cell therapy and gene editing offering hope for repairing previously irreparable heart damage.

“Advancements in heart care are not just improving survival rates but also enhancing patients’ quality of life,” added Dr. Waghmare.

India continues to face a growing challenge from cardiovascular diseases, fueled by lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets, and smoking. As research progresses, experts remain optimistic that state-of-the-art technologies and personalized treatment strategies will pave the way for a healthier future.

“The ongoing innovation in cardiac care underscores a promising era of precision, less invasive procedures, and accessible solutions aimed at revolutionizing cardiovascular health worldwide,” concluded Dr. Waghmare.

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