The Procedure that gave him his Breath Back: A Case Story

Staff Nurse, Cath Lab, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

*Correspondence

Background: The Man Who Never Missed His Prayers

Mr. D, 81, never missed his morning prayers at home in Chennai.

Until 2 weeks ago. Leg swelling started. Then breathlessness. Then his stomach and feet began to puff up.

“Age and tiredness,” he thought. But his daughter knew something was wrong. She took him to the hospital.

The Diagnosis That Shook the Family

The reports were heavy:

“Right Heart Failure. Severe Pulmonary Artery Hypertension. Severe TR.”

At 81, with diabetes and anemia, the words “heart failure” scared the family more than the swelling.

That’s when they came to Kauvery Hospital, Chennai for answers.

Not for another surgery. For another option.

The Conversation That Changed Everything

Our cardiology team sat with Mr. D and his family. We explained it calmly

“Yes, the right side of the heart is under too much pressure. But opening it up doesn’t always mean open heart.”

Then we explained how we could help – in a way he could understand:

The Flow Diverter-“Think of it like a pressure release valve for your heart. We place a tiny device that helps blood flow and gives your tired heart some rest.”
Team Care – “While we do this, we’ll support your blood count, kidneys, and lungs. We treat the whole person, not just the report.”

“For the first time in weeks, my chest feels lighter,” Mr. D said after hearing the plan.

The Intervention: No Cuts, No Stitches

On 5th May 2026, he underwent a Trans catheter Atrial Septal Flow Diverter Implantation using a FARE™ 8 MM DEVICE.

No cuts. No stitches. Done through the leg vein under camera guidance.

He also received 1-unit blood for his anemia.

The Outcome: Discharged in 24 Hours

On 6th May 2026, he was discharged.

BP 100/80, oxygen 90% on room air, comfortable and stable.

Today, he’s back to his prayers. Slower, but without fear of breathlessness.

When asked what made the difference, his daughter smiled.

“The first hospital gave us a diagnosis. Kauvery gave us a way forward. And hope.”

Comparison: Open Surgery vs. Flow Diverter

Aspect	Traditional Open Heart Surgery	Trans catheter Flow Diverter
Incisions	Large chest incision, sternum cut	None – through leg vein
Anesthesia	General anesthesia	Local anesthesia
Hospital Stay	7–14 days	24 hours
Recovery Time	Weeks to months	Few days
Blood Transfusion	Often required	Minimal (1 unit in this case)
Risk in Elderly	High (infection, bleeding, prolonged ventilation)	Low
Goal	Repair anatomy (valve replacement)	Reduce pressure, relieve symptoms
Suitability	Low-risk patients	High-risk, elderly, comorbid patients

Take-Home Lessons for Every Family

Swelling + Breathlessness + Tiredness is not just ‘age’. It’s your heart asking for help.
Technology changes fear. Catheter-based procedures can help even at 80+ without open surgery.
Listen early. Right treatment at the right time gives you back your normal life.

Shared with patient consent. Details changed to protect privacy.

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