In a landmark achievement, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, has carried out three heart transplants within a span of just 12 hours, marking a historic first in India’s medical history.
The three recipients, all men in their mid-30s, had been on the transplant waiting list for more than a year. Each had reached a stage where their deteriorating health could soon have disqualified them from receiving a donor heart.
A Coordinated City-Wide Effort
The remarkable feat was made possible through a highly coordinated network across hospitals. Donor hearts were retrieved from Sparsh Hospital (Yelahanka), Aster CMI Hospital (Hebbal), and Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road).
Using carefully planned green corridor routes, the organs were swiftly transported across Bengaluru to Narayana Health City. The quick transfers ensured that critical ischemic time was minimized, preserving the viability of the donor hearts.
The complex series of transplants brought together a multidisciplinary team of specialists — including heart failure cardiologists, transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, critical-care staff, and transplant coordinators. The effort was supported by Jeevan Sarthakathe (SOTTO – State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation), which oversaw organ allocation and logistics.
Medical Excellence Meets Human Generosity
“This milestone underscores not only the medical excellence of our transplant team but also the critical role of public support, timely coordination, and the noble decision of donor families,” said Dr. Varun Shetty, Senior Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences.
He highlighted that Narayana Health’s Heart Failure and Transplant Programme is one of the largest in India, offering advanced care through ECMO, ventricular assist devices, and heart transplantation.
Lives Transformed
All three transplants were successfully completed, and the patients are reported to be stable under close post-operative monitoring. Doctors expressed optimism about their recovery prospects.
The historic achievement was made possible by the selfless generosity of three donor families, who chose to donate organs at their time of loss. Their decision has given a second chance at life to three critically ill patients and stands as a powerful reminder of the impact of organ donation.
A Milestone for India’s Healthcare
The achievement not only cements Bengaluru’s position as a hub for advanced medical care but also reinforces the importance of a robust organ donation ecosystem in India. Experts believe such milestones will inspire more families to come forward, potentially saving thousands of lives in the future.
