In a groundbreaking advancement for cardiac care in India, Hardas Heart Care, Pune, has successfully performed the state’s first Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) procedure using India’s indigenously developed Mitral Clip system — MyClip, created by Meril Life Sciences under the Make in India initiative.
The procedure was led by Dr. Suhas Hardas, Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Hardas Heart Care, marking a historic moment in interventional cardiology for Maharashtra.
A Life-Changing Journey for a 64-Year-Old Patient
The patient, Mr. Bapu Ingale (64), had been struggling with severe Mitral Regurgitation (MR) for two years. His symptoms progressively worsened—marked by extreme breathlessness, swelling in the legs, and inability to perform daily activities—as his heart leaked blood backward into the chambers instead of pumping it efficiently to the body.
Despite years of medical therapy, his condition deteriorated further. Traditional treatments such as open-heart surgery or transplant were ruled out due to high surgical risk associated with age and other health factors.
The Minimally Invasive MyClip Solution
Dr. Hardas and his team opted for the MyClip TEER system, a minimally invasive, catheter-based technique that repairs the mitral valve through a small puncture in the thigh. The procedure took just about an hour and was completed without open-heart surgery.
Post-procedure, the patient’s symptoms dramatically improved. Within days, Mr. Ingale was discharged, reporting better breathing, improved energy, and restored ability to perform routine tasks.
A Safer Alternative for High-Risk Cardiac Patients
Dr. Hardas explained,
“Patients with severe mitral regurgitation and high surgical risks due to age, diabetes, hypertension, or frailty often have limited options. The MyClip TEER system provides a safe, non-surgical alternative that can significantly improve survival and quality of life. Untreated, severe MR can result in over 50% mortality within a year.”
Empowering India’s Cardiac Care through Innovation
Severe Mitral Regurgitation affects nearly 1.5 million Indians, with around 1.2 million cases linked to heart failure or previous heart attacks. Many elderly patients are deemed unfit for surgery or fail to respond to medication.
Until now, such minimally invasive procedures were possible only with costly imported devices. The MyClip TEER system, developed by Meril Life Sciences, represents a revolutionary step toward affordable, world-class cardiac care made in India.
By enabling precise closure of the mitral valve leaflets and reducing backward blood flow, the system allows patients to recover quickly—often being discharged within three to five days.
Make in India: A Milestone for Affordable Healthcare
The success of this procedure not only signifies medical innovation but also celebrates India’s growing self-reliance in healthcare technology.
This achievement at Hardas Heart Care highlights the power of indigenous innovation and the potential to make advanced cardiac care accessible and affordable for millions across India.
