India to Develop Low-Cost LVADs for Heart Transplant Patients

The indigenously developed devices are expected to reduce dependence on imported machines, making heart transplants more accessible for patients in India.

The Indian Government has planned to develop cost-effective left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for end-stage heart failure patients. 

As per sources, LVADs, which assist in pumping blood, are being planned to support patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting transplants. Imported LVADs cost INR 70 lakh to INR 1 Cr, excluding surgery and post-treatment expenses.

In India, around 50,000 patients require heart transplants annually, but due to a severe shortage of donor hearts, only about 200 transplants are performed. The indigenously developed devices are expected to reduce dependence on imported machines, making heart transplants more accessible for patients in India.

A senior government official stated that this could also boost the number of international patients seeking medical treatment in the country.

According to one official, "The research and testing of the project will need close to Rs 100 crore, and a decision could soon be taken to fund this either through the Department of Science and Technology or through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, set up in 2023."

A 2024 NITI Aayog Mission Document proposes creating a guiding committee to oversee the project and ensure its timely completion, with powers to approve proposals and monitor progress. It also suggests establishing a mission directorate to handle technical and financial aspects. 

The report also states that institutions such as IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, and Sri Chitra Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology are already progressing in developing low-cost LVADs and a "total artificial heart." These innovations aim to offer life-saving solutions for end-stage heart failure patients.

However, it is projected that the LVADs could take over five years to develop after obtaining the necessary approvals.

Recently, Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, an IIT Madras alumnus, took charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

The ANRF Act, 2023, was implemented on February 5, 2024, with an INR 966 Cr allocation for FY 2024-25. Programs were designed to position India globally, advance scientific innovation, and promote private-sector research.

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