Uttar Pradesh News: SGPGI Lucknow Set To Launch Heart Transplant Surgeries

Lucknow: The Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow is preparing to launch heart transplant surgeries, a first for Uttar Pradesh. The hospital's Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) Department has finalized all preparations for the procedure, which is estimated to cost around ₹5 lakh, significantly less than the ₹1 crore typically charged by private institutions.

Professor S.K. Agarwal, head of SGPGI's CVTS Department and a prominent heart surgeon, revealed that three patients in Uttar Pradesh are currently awaiting heart transplants. The delay is primarily due to the unavailability of donor hearts within the state, with hopes resting on receiving suitable organs from other Indian states. Professor Agarwal confirmed that the department is conducting weekly dry runs to ensure a successful transplant as soon as a compatible heart becomes available.

On the occasion of the CVTS department's 38th Foundation Day, Professor Agarwal shared the department's vision for the future. He acknowledged the collective effort over 38 years that has positioned SGPGI among the top 10 heart surgery departments in the country. While awaiting the first heart transplant, he emphasized that the success depends not only on their capabilities but also on patient consent and the availability of donor organs.

Professor Agarwal detailed the extensive preparations for heart transplants, including comprehensive training for surgeons, knowledge sessions, fully equipped labs, available essential equipment, prepared operation theaters, and ready ICU beds for post-operative care, along with a trained support staff.

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Regarding costs, he stated that the surgery would be around ₹5 lakh, with routine medicines costing approximately ₹5,000. Beyond transplants, the CVTS department aims to increase its annual surgeries from 1,000 to between 1,500 and 2,000, significantly reducing waiting lists. A dedicated center for congenital heart diseases is also being established, which will enable over 1,000 additional pediatric surgeries annually. The department also plans to routinely perform minimal access and robotic surgeries (5-10 per week) and establish heart failure therapy using ventricular assist devices.

Professor Agarwal highlighted the significance of the upcoming congenital heart disease center being built with a ₹500 crore grant from Saloni Heart Foundation, calling it a setup that will be unparalleled globally. He also clarified that heart transplants differ from kidney and liver transplants as they exclusively require cadaveric (brain-dead) donors, unlike kidney and liver transplants where living donors can also contribute.