Matters of the Heart: Fulfilling the Need for Salient Cardiac Surgery Solutions

The field of cardiac surgery has undergone a revolution in recent decades, driven by cutting-edge innovations that have empowered doctors and surgeons to employ advanced techniques in treating cardiovascular diseases—many of which were once deemed incurable or inoperable.

However, despite these achievements, the rising prevalence of cardiac disease continues to present an urgent challenge, with surgical procedures becoming increasingly necessary to manage patients. In India alone, approximately 300,000 cardiac surgeries are performed annually—a figure that belies the need for such procedures. There is a critical requirement for advanced, cost-effective, and locally developed cardiac devices to empower healthcare providers and elevate patient outcomes.

Meril’s range of indigenously developed heart valves and cardiac products are tailored to meet these specific challenges. Created using state-of-the-art technology and incorporating the latest advancements in the field, Meril's products are designed to enhance the efficiency of cardiac surgeries and increase the likelihood of positive patient outcomes while also adhering to the latest standards of the healthcare industry.

Heart Valves: Balancing Function and Durability

Valve replacement surgeries are crucial in cardiac care, particularly for treating severe valve diseases where the natural valve is damaged or dysfunctional. This procedure involves substituting the affected valve with either a mechanical or biological valve, thereby restoring optimal blood flow, alleviating symptoms, and improving cardiac function.

Mechanical heart valves, recognised for their exceptional durability, are particularly well-suited for younger patients who require a long-term solution for valve replacement. Towards that end, they are usually made from materials such as titanium or carbon. Meril’s MILTONIA Bi-Leaflet Mechanical Heart Valve, for instance, utilises pyrolytic carbon layered over a graphite base with tungsten for enhanced radiopacity. This design ensures longevity and effective performance, mimicking natural heart function with minimal wear. However, a key consideration with mechanical heart valves is that they typically require lifelong anticoagulation therapy to prevent thromboembolic events, making them a better choice for patients who can adhere to a regimen of regular monitoring and medication.

On the other hand, tissue valves—made with pig, cow, or even human tissue—provide a biological alternative to mechanical heart valves, offering benefits such as reduced need for lifelong anticoagulation and a more natural compatibility with the body’s own tissues. Meril’s Dafodil Pericardial Bioprosthesis exemplifies these advantages by integrating the latest engineering technologies with bovine pericardial tissue to enhance durability and ensure reliable tissue fixation, allowing for improved hemodynamics and reduced risk of immune response. Additionally, the Dafodil Neo Aortic Valve, with its unique 17mm size option, is specifically designed for patients with a narrow aortic annulus, addressing the challenges of smaller anatomical spaces, which is a common issue in paediatric and some adult patients. Finally, Meril’s Flomero Pericardial Bioprosthesis stands out with its sophisticated triad frame design and internally mounted triple composite leaflets. This structure not only enhances the valve’s hemodynamic performance but also extends its durability, effectively reducing the need for re-interventions.

Precision in Bypass Graft Surgeries: Improving Outcomes

Precision is critical in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and beating heart surgeries, where the accurate placement of grafts directly impacts the restoration of blood flow to the heart. Meril’s NAUTICA™ Intracoronary Shunt, which is a radiopaque one piece device consisting of a flexible silicon hollow shaft having a bulb shaped tip, ensures a bloodless operating field by temporarily diverting blood flow away from the site of anastomosis, allowing surgeons to perform the graft with greater precision. The use of the NAUTICA™ shunt also significantly reduces the risk of ischemic damage by maintaining myocardial perfusion during surgery. This is crucial in minimising complications such as graft occlusion or vessel trauma, which can arise from inadequate visualisation or blood flow during the procedure. By improving procedural accuracy and reducing the likelihood of postoperative complications, the NAUTICA™ Intracoronary Shunt not only optimises patient outcomes but also supports quicker recovery and reduces the need for further interventions. Its removal just prior to the completion of anastomosis is seamless, ensuring that the procedure is as efficient and safe as possible.

Advancing Critical Care: Stabilising High-Risk Patients

The management of severe cardiac conditions requires advanced support systems that can provide hemodynamic stabilisation. Meril’s MYOSIST™ Intra-Aortic Balloon Catheter Kit (8F) represents a significant advancement in counter-pulsation therapy. This device, essential for patients experiencing refractory unstable angina, cardiogenic shock, or acute myocardial infarction, works in tandem with an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP). By inflating and deflating in synchronisation with the cardiac cycle, the MYOSIST™ catheter reduces the workload on the left ventricle and enhances coronary blood flow. This helps stabilise patients during high-risk cardiac events and supports their recovery post-surgery by reducing myocardial oxygen demand and increasing oxygen supply to the heart.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Innovation in Cardiac Care

The global cardiovascular devices market was valued at approximately $59.75 billion in 2022 and is projected to more than double, reaching over $127.20 billion by 2032, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2032. As the demand for advanced cardiac care continues to grow, particularly in regions like India with high patient volumes and resource constraints, the need for cutting-edge, accessible cardiac surgery devices becomes more pressing.

Meril’s dedication to developing innovative cardiac solutions is crucial in addressing these challenges. By providing advanced cardiac devices that enhance the precision of surgeries and increase the likelihood of positive patient outcomes, Meril is ensuring that patients across the world have more to life—more years, more quality, and more possibilities.