A New Heartbeat: How an 80-Year-Old Regained His Life with a Keyhole Heart Procedure

When 80-year-old Amalindhu Narayan Munshi was diagnosed with severe aortic valve disease, the outlook appeared uncertain. The aortic valve — the heart’s main outflow valve — was critically narrowed, severely restricting blood flow and leaving him breathless and fatigued even during basic daily activities. 

But thanks to a ground-breaking, minimally invasive heart procedure performed by Dr. Rajpal Singh, Director of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Mr. Munshi experienced a dramatic turnaround. He walked out of the hospital just two days after the procedure — and continues to thrive years later. 

Understanding Aortic Valve Disease 

Aortic stenosis is a progressive heart condition where the aortic valve becomes narrowed and calcified, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Common symptoms include: 

If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death. However, for many elderly patients, open-heart surgery is not a viable option due to frailty or pre-existing health conditions. 

The Keyhole Solution: TAVI Procedure Explained by Dr. Rajpal Singh 

“TAVI is a transformative procedure that allows us to replace a damaged heart valve through a tiny incision — without opening the chest,” 
says Dr. Rajpal Singh, a senior interventional cardiologist at Fortis Bannerghatta. 

In a TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) procedure, a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery in the groin. A collapsible replacement valve is delivered to the heart, expanded at the site of the diseased valve, and begins functioning immediately — all while the heart continues to beat. 

Why TAVI is a Game-Changer: 

• Minimally invasive – no open chest surgery 

• Faster recovery – most patients discharged within 2–3 days 

• Lower risk – ideal for elderly and high-risk patients 

• Improved quality of life – immediate symptom relief 

A Remarkable Recovery: Mr. Munshi’s Story 

Despite being 80 years old and previously limited by his cardiac condition, Mr. Munshi underwent the TAVI procedure with minimal risk and maximum success. His symptoms eased within hours, and just two days post-procedure, he was discharged — walking on his own and resuming normal activities soon after.

And what’s even more impressive? 

It’s now two years since his successful valve replacement, and Mr. Munshi — now 82 — continues to enjoy an excellent quality of life. He hasn’t required any hospitalisation for cardiac issues since, which is truly commendable for someone in his age group.