LVAD Therapy In India: Dr. Vishal Khullar On Life-Saving Heart Failure Treatment

End-stage heart failure no longer means the end of the road. Dr. Vishal Khullar, a leading cardiac surgeon in Mumbai, explains how LVAD therapy acts as a critical lifeline for patients. By providing mechanical circulatory support, this advanced technology offers a second chance at life for those who have exhausted conventional treatment options.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 01: As cardiovascular diseases continue to rise across India, end-stage heart failure remains one of the most critical and life-threatening conditions requiring advanced intervention. While medical science has made significant progress globally, many life-saving therapies remain underutilised in India. One such breakthrough is LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) therapy, a mechanical circulatory support system that has transformed survival outcomes for patients with severe heart failure. Dr. Vishal Khullar, a globally trained cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, is actively advocating for greater awareness and timely adoption of this life-saving technology.

Recognised as a leading cardiac surgeon in Mumbai, India, Dr. Vishal Khullar highlights that LVAD therapy has the potential to significantly improve survival and quality of life in patients who have exhausted all conventional treatment options. With decades of experience and advanced training at globally renowned institutions like Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, Dr. Khullar has been at the forefront of managing complex cardiac cases, including heart and lung transplants and mechanical circulatory support therapies. Rated top by leading doctor discovery platforms like ClinicSpots and Practo, Dr. Khullar continues to earn trust for his clinical excellence and patient outcomes.

LVAD therapy involves the surgical implantation of a mechanical pump that assists the failing heart in circulating blood effectively throughout the body. Designed specifically for patients with Stage D heart failure, the device supports the left ventricle by continuously pumping blood into the aorta, ensuring that vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. This intervention is particularly crucial for patients experiencing severe symptoms at rest, repeated hospitalisations, and progressive deterioration despite optimal medical management.

"LVAD therapy is not just a device—it is a lifeline for patients who are otherwise left with very limited options," explains Dr. Vishal Khullar. "When implemented at the right stage, it can dramatically improve survival, restore functional capacity, and give patients the opportunity to lead meaningful lives again."

Globally, LVADs are widely used as a bridge to transplant, where the device sustains patients while they await a suitable donor heart. However, in many cases, especially where transplantation is not feasible, LVAD therapy serves as destination therapy—a long-term solution that can extend life by several years with improved quality. Despite these proven benefits, its adoption in India remains limited.

Dr. Khullar attributes this gap primarily to lack of awareness and delayed referrals. Many patients are referred for advanced therapies only when their condition has deteriorated significantly, reducing the window of opportunity for optimal intervention. Additionally, the limited number of specialised centres equipped to handle LVAD implantation and long-term management further restricts access to this life-saving treatment.

"The biggest challenge is timing," Dr. Khullar notes. "Patients often reach us too late, when multiple organ systems are already compromised. Early referral and timely intervention are critical to achieving the best outcomes with LVAD therapy."

The successful implementation of LVAD therapy requires a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. From precise patient selection and surgical expertise to post-operative care, device management, and caregiver education, every stage plays a vital role in ensuring long-term success. Dr. Khullar emphasises that specialised centres with dedicated heart failure programs are essential to delivering consistent and safe outcomes.

With his extensive experience in advanced cardiac surgery and mechanical circulatory support, Dr. Khullar has been instrumental in managing some of the most complex cardiac cases. His work reflects a commitment to bringing global standards of care to India, ensuring that patients have access to cutting-edge treatments that can significantly improve survival and quality of life.

"Heart failure does not mean the end of the road," he adds. "With the right technology, expertise, and timely care, we can offer patients a second chance at life. LVAD therapy is one of the most powerful tools we have today, and it deserves far greater awareness and utilisation."

As India continues to advance in the field of cardiac care, increasing awareness about therapies like LVAD will be crucial in bridging the gap between available technology and patient outcomes. With experts like Dr. Vishal Khullar leading the way, there is growing hope that more patients will benefit from timely, life-saving interventions and regain the opportunity to live fuller, healthier lives.

About Dr. Vishal Khullar

Dr. Vishal Khullar is an expert Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon practising in Mumbai. He is committed to providing exceptional care and achieving superior outcomes for his patients. He has successfully performed complex adult cardiac surgery, including redo surgeries, heart and lung transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and complex aortic procedures.

Prior to returning to India, Dr. Khullar received advanced training at the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, both globally acclaimed institutions for cardiac care. He has also been a key member of the Transplant Selection Committee for donors and recipients, further strengthening his expertise in advanced heart failure management.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Clinic: Fortis Hospital Mulund – Goregaon Link Rd Nahur West, Industrial Area, Bhandup West, Mulund West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400078