13-year-old Terry Emmanuel Louise was at risk of heart failure as he was not able to get a heart transplant amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team at Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, successfully performed a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation surgery, allowing Terry’s heart to keep functioning while he awaits a heart transplant.
Terry suffers from cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body, potentially leading to heart failure. He was repeatedly admitted to the hospital with symptoms of fluid overload which required inotropic infusion and intravenous diuretics.
As a heart transplant was not immediately possible amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the LVAD implant was the only option to prevent his condition from deteriorating further.
For this procedure, a ventricular assist device (VAD) was implanted in Terry’s left ventricle. It is a mechanical pump that supports heart function and blood flow for people with weakened hearts. It stimulates a healthy heart, taking blood from a lower chamber of the heart and pumping it to the body and vital organs.
With this implantation surgery, Terry’s heart is now able to continue functioning while he waits for a donor heart.
Related Stories
Behind Every Blood Test, a Step Forward in Care
When a doctor is waiting for a blood test result, what happens inside the laboratory matters. Each stage, from processing a sample to reviewing its findings, helps shape the next decision in a patient’s care.
Turning Clinical Insights into Better Patient Outcomes
.jpg?sfvrsn=745604e1_1)
Gleneagles Hong Kong Leads the Way in Advancing Liver Cancer Care
Gleneagles Hong Kong and HKUMed are advancing liver cancer care through collaboration and innovation under IHH Healthcare’s leadership.
55fda2dc551e4ff68748a1aabe8694a6.jpg?sfvrsn=a1e3ed8c_1)
Parkway East Hospital Supports Healthy Ageing with Its New Live Well Centre and Sleep Laboratory
Future of Work: AI Agents in Action Hackathon Highlights AI Solutions for Healthcare and Business Challenges
The Future of Work: AI Agents in Action Hackathon invited colleagues from across the IHH network to explore how AI agents can help solve everyday challenges in healthcare and business operations.
Gleneagles Hong Kong Champions Health and Wellness at Hong Kong Cyclothon
IHH Healthcare's Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong supported the 2026 Hong Kong Cyclothon as the event's Official Wellness Partner, helping promote active living and community wellbeing while providing medical support for one of the city's largest mass participation sporting events.
