Apollo Hospitals Chennai Achieves Breakthrough with BASILICA-Assisted TAVI, Safeguarding High-Risk Heart Patient

Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, has successfully treated a 67-year-old high-risk heart patient using an advanced, minimally invasive procedure called BASILICA-assisted TAVI. This specialised technique is designed to prevent blockage of the coronary artery during valve replacement. This milestone highlights the growing role of advanced transcatheter therapies in managing complex structural heart disease, particularly in patients who are not suitable candidates for repeat open-heart surgery.

The procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Sengottuvelu G, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Clinical Lead of Structural Heart Interventions at Apollo Hospitals Chennai. This approach offers a minimally invasive alternative for redo valve replacement cases, where conventional surgery carries significant risk.

The patient had a history of diabetes, coronary artery disease with prior stenting, and aortic valve replacement surgery in 2017. Degeneration of the previous valve led to recurrent aortic stenosis (narrowing) and regurgitation (leakage), both of which can affect blood flow. Before the procedure, a scan revealed a high risk of blockage (an uncommon but serious complication of TAVI), associated with mortality rates of up to 40–50% when it occurs.

To reduce this risk, doctors used a combination of TAVI (a catheter-based valve replacement procedure) and the BASILICA technique. In simple terms, BASILICA involves carefully splitting a part of the old valve using controlled energy so that it does not block blood flow to the heart during the new valve placement.  

Dr. Sengottuvelu G noted, “This case highlights the evolving capabilities of transcatheter therapies in managing highly complex structural heart disease. BASILICA is a technically demanding procedure, and its successful execution reflects the expertise and coordination of our team.” Dr. C S Muthukumaran, Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals Chennai, added, “Performing the first BASILICA procedure in the Apollo Group is a proud moment. It reinforces our commitment to bringing cutting-edge, life-saving technologies to patients in India.”

After the procedure, the patient showed good recovery, with improved blood flow, stable rhythm, and no evidence of heart blockage, and was discharged in stable condition. With international success rates exceeding 90% in selected cases, BASILICA remains a highly specialised procedure, underscoring Apollo Hospitals’ commitment to delivering evidence-based, patient-centric cardiac care.