City hospital completes first heart transplantation

Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, completed its first heart transplantation, giving a new lease of life to a 21-year-old woman from Vizianagaram.

Addressing the media at the hospital on February 21, Saturday (February 21, 2026), a team of doctors said the woman, K. Sathyavathi, had been battling dilated cardiomyopathy for several years. ​As her condition progressed to severe heart failure despite optimal medical therapy, she underwent a comprehensive transplant evaluation, including right heart catheterisation and a detailed transplant workup to assess her suitability.

Following evaluation, she was listed for organ transplantation under the Jeevandan organ-sharing programme, after which a suitable donor’s heart became available at the hospital, they said, adding that the transplant was performed with support from the Manipal Foundation and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The patient is now recovering.

Dilip Ratti, a doctor from the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, said heart transplantation requires the most advanced life support infrastructure, like ECMO, ventricular assist devices, precise surgical execution, and seamless teamwork across multiple specialities.

A.P. Jeevandan, State coordinator, K. Rambabu noted that, like Ms. Sathyavati, many patients are waiting for organ transplants and that the government is always prepared to extend timely support and coordination to all hospitals in every necessary aspect.

J. Ramanjaneya Reddy, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, and other doctors were present in the press conference.