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Press Release

Global Health City for the 1st time in India successfully implants an
Implantable Artificial Lung
In a first-of-its-kind surgery, a 64-years old Bahraini woman with end-stage lung failure receives an
implantable artificial lung as a bridge to transplant
Chennai, 25 November: Hopes of a 64-year old woman from Bahrain were kept alive at Global
Health City with an implantable artificial lung, for the first time in India such a device had been used
as a bridge to lung transplant. By introducing this new technology to India, Global Health City offers
a glimmer of hope to thousands of patients with end-stage lung failure. With this innovative
technology, the waiting time to receive a donor lung is extended.
Mrs. Fatima Mohammed Ahmed, underwent a lung transplant at Global Health City 3-years ago after
her lung condition went bad due to Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) - a rare lung disease that
tends to affect women in their child-bearing age. Post the transplant, she recovered well and
returned to routine life within 2-months.
Things had been looking good and under control since then with regular follow-up and appropriate
medication support. Unfortunately a year ago, she developed a fungal infection in her lungs, which
led to Bronchiolotis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS) - a fibrotic process resulting in progressive
narrowing of bronchiolar lumens and airflow obstruction, is a manifestation of chronic allograft
rejection.
Having affected by BOS, Mrs. Fatima was prescribed with a series of medication regimes such as Anti
BOS drugs, Immuno Suppressive Medications, etc. and the condition of her lung was closely
monitored. Almost 10 months after she developed BOS and with medical management, her lung did
not show any sign of improvement.
Dr. Vijil Rahulan Senior Consultant Pulmonologist said, Adding to her worries, her lung further
deteriorated. She was in ventilator support and was not an eligible candidate for immediate lung
transplant. Hence, we decided to postpone the surgery so that sufficient time is given for her to be
ready to receive donor organ. Usually, people with end-stage lung failure are supported with a
heart-lung bypass machine known as Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) that uses a
pump and oxygenator to deliver oxygen to the vital organs. While ECMO can be successful for this
purpose, it is a temporary solution. Extended use can pose serious health risks, including permanent
organ damage and frequent bleeding; moreover it needs a continuous monitoring in ICU.
In the case of Mrs. Fatima, we had to offer the best possible support that buys her time to revive
her condition and to wait for donor lung to become available. Considering the situation, our expert
team decided to use Novalung, an Implantable Artificial Lung device. It is a pumpless device that
needs minimal monitoring in the ICU and patient can be ambulated easily with the device in place
which is not possible with ECMO, pointed out by Dr. Rahul Chandola Senior Consultant Heart &
Lung Transplant Surgeon.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Govini Balasubramani Senior Consultant Heart & Lung
Transplant Surgeon said, In India alone, about 1 lakh people were diagnosed with chronic endstage lung diseases every year. Most of them succumb to death within 3 to 5 years even with
appropriate medical management. Most importantly, 5 10% of them require immediate transplant
in order to survive. Unfortunately, only about 17 such lung transplant surgeries were reported in
India till date. The huge gap is primarily due to the non-availability of matching organ at the right
time and a very minimal number of centres performing such a high end procedure. Novalung, as a
bridge to transplant, supports the patients survival by extending the waiting-period to receive a
donor organ up to 6 months.
I am very much thankful to the doctors at Global Health City for offering me another chance to live
my life and to spend time with my family. When I came here with a failed lung condition, I and my
family had a very little hope. Now with the artificial lung device implant, I am waiting to receive a
donor lung and I am confident of starting a fresh lease of life again shortly, said by Mrs. Fatima.
Highlighting the uniqueness of the procedure, Dr. Ashok Vardhan Group COO of Global Hospitals
added Over the years, Global Health City has become a synonym to the most preferred organ
transplant centre and is one of the largest multi-organ transplant centres in India. Adding to many
first-of-its-kind transplant surgeries, today with Indias First Artificial Lung Device implant Global
Health City has once again demonstrated its constant endeavor to offer the best possible treatment
to patients by combining contemporary technology and processes.
Novalung An Implantable Artificial Lung Device
It is a breathing support system which is designed to support the exchange of gas in the lungs of the
patient. The system removes carbon dioxide from incoming blood and Infuses oxygen into the blood
thereby increasing oxygen levels. Clinical application of this device is indicated in the situations
where strict application of lung-protective is performed and where there is insufficient exchange of
gas, in particular insufficient removal of carbon dioxide.
Global Heart & Lung Institute
As one of Global Hospitals cornerstone Centers of Excellence, Heart & Lung Institute is a premium,
comprehensive center providing innovative, quality care close to home. Utilizing advanced medical
and surgical equipment, the expert team of physicians and nurses practice evidence-based medicine
blended with patient-centered care. From intervention to cardiothoracic surgery and rehabilitation,
the institutes approach hinges on personalized care, recognizing that every patient is unique.
Global Health City
Global Health City, Chennai is a 500-bedded multi super specialty quaternary care hospital. It
renders 360 degree advanced tertiary healthcare services with multi-super specialty and multi-organ
transplant services. With the finest combination of expertise, experience, state-of-the art technology
and well coordinated team work, every step is aimed at ensuring excellence in patient care.
For Media Queries: R. Rajarishi: Mobile: 9566211333: Email: rajarishi.r@globalhospitalsindia.com

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