CMC performs first heart transplant in Vellore

The Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore has performed its first heart transplant on a patient, who is in his 30s.According to a press release, the patient who first came to CMC in January this year was troubled by breathlessness for a couple of months. Despite treatment, the patient continued to have severe symptoms and repeated hospital admissions.With limited treatment options remaining, a heart transplantation was discussed with him and his family, and consent was obtained. The donor heart was explanted, retrieved, and transported to the cardiothoracic operating theatre, where the recipient was prepared for transplantation.The heart was successfully implanted, and the team was delighted to see it begin beating as soon as blood supply was restored. The patient was taken off ventilatory support the following day and subsequently progressed steadily, moving from the ICU to a step-down facility within a week. Published - August 25, 2026 10:13 pm IST