Double lung transplant performed at Rela Hospital averts imminent heart failure in mother of two

Mohamed Rela, chairman, Rela Hospital, with the team of doctors who performed the procedure at a press conference held on Monday.
| Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

In a high-risk medical procedure, doctors at Rela Hospital performed a successful double lung transplant on a 44-year-old woman suffering from end-stage interstitial lung disease, averting the need for a heart transplant. The patient, Kavitha, a mother of two, had been bedridden for nearly two years and dependent on high-flow oxygen support following years of pulmonary complications aggravated by COVID-19.

Initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2013, her illness rapidly progressed to severe lung disease, forcing her to return from the United States to India in 2016. With her lungs turning fibrotic, she became oxygen-dependent and immobile. By late 2024, she required 15 litres of oxygen per minute and was at imminent risk of heart failure.

Led by Srinath Vijayasekharan, director and senior consultant, heart and lung transplantation, and Aishwarya Rajkumar, clinical lead, transplant pulmonology at the hospital, the eight-hour transplant was undertaken by a 30-member multidisciplinary team. The challenge was compounded by the need to accommodate slightly larger donor lungs in a chest cavity diminished by disease. The patient’s chest was kept open temporarily post-surgery for delayed closure. Her muscle strength, severely depleted by prolonged illness, further increased the recovery time.

Dr. Aishwarya described her recovery as “a testament to resilience,” as Ms. Kavitha gradually transitioned out of intensive care over six to eight weeks. Recent biopsy results confirmed that the transplanted lungs were functioning well, she added.

Mohamed Rela, chairman of the hospital, said the case underscores the life-saving potential of lung transplants. “Many patients are unaware this option exists. We must raise awareness and encourage organ donation,” he said.

Ms. Kavitha is now able to lead a normal life that allows her to care for her children and fully participate in daily activities once again.