Homegrown valve good alternative

Once this is commercialised, India will be the third country in the world to mass produce bioprosthetic heart valves in a laboratory. During 2014, of the 42,000-odd persons who underwent valve replacement surgeries in India, one-third were bioprosthetic valves imported from the US or Brazil.

“A bioprosthetic valve is made with biological tissue and doesn’t need anti-coagulants. In fact, we have invented the technology of preventing calcium deposits on the valve so that the life of the valve is prolonged,” says Dr K.M. Cherian, chairman and CEO of Frontier Lifeline Hospital, instrumental in establishing Frontier Mediville – India’s first basic medical science park, near here.

Once these valves are made in our country, each can be offered for Rs 30,000, whereas an imported bioprosthetic valve costs '1.5 lakh. “This is the reason for the high cost involved in performing cardiac surgeries. The cost of imported valves adds to the medical bills,” he said, and expressed the hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is keen on encouraging Make in India programme, will promote this venture in a big way.

Bioprosthetic valves are typically preferred over mechanical valves because mechanical valves require patients to take blood thinners for the rest of their lives. Taking blood thinners may result in lifestyle modifications such as sports or activity restrictions and dietary constraints. A bioprosthetic valve lasts for about 10-12 years.

The Frontier Mediville Medical Science Park, situated on about 365 acres near here, is India’s first medical SEZ in the country, Dr Cherian pointed out.

He says that the institution could do wonders if the government and financial institutions encouraged research activities.

“We are awaiting approval from the drugs controller general of India for commercialisation of the valve,” he adds. The park is also engaged in researching, training and biological testing.