The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Heart transplant patient recovers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 10, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Heart transplant patient recovers

Vani

HYDERABAD: She is one among the chosen few who has survived a ‘change of heart’ and is firmly on her way to recovery. And she not only thanks her stars for it, but is also deeply indebted to the family, which has made it possible. Vani says her charmed life should be an inspiration for thousands of heart patients, who are waiting for heart transplantation.

The 39-year-old housewife underwent heart transplantation at Global Hospitals on September 29 after relatives of E. Raju (22) of Karimnagar decided to donate his heart. The doctors had declared Raju brain dead after he was injured in a road accident.

“I now truly understand the meaning of fresh lease of life. I could not have lived today had it not been for the generosity of Raju’s family,” she told media persons on Friday. Vani will be discharged from hospital on Saturday. The doctors said the patient had responded well after the surgery. “The surgery is like the normal kidney transplantation. People should be aware that heart transplantation is a viable option, if all other modes of treatment fail,” said A.G.K. Gokhale, the doctor who led the team of doctors, who operated on Vani. The doctors lamented the fact that nearly 10 hearts were lost every year without being transplanted in the State capital. “There is lack of awareness and everybody thinks it is risky. But technology has improved and survival rate has increased ,” says Dr. Gokhale. Vani’s family members said that they were glad for opting for the surgery. “Our two children are eagerly waiting for her arrival,” said M. Srinivas Rao, Vani’s husband.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh