In a significant milestone for healthcare services in Tripura, the Cardiology Department of Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GB Pant Hospital has successfully carried out the state's first catheter-based closure of a complex congenital heart defect, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery.

The beneficiary of the pioneering procedure was 11-year-old Arbik Debbarma from Teliamura in Khowai district. The Class VI student had been living with a congenital heart condition that caused persistent breathing difficulties and frequent chest infections, affecting his daily life for several years.

Arbik was admitted to GB Pant Hospital on March 12, 2026, where specialists from the Cardiology Department initiated a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. Following nearly two months of investigations and medical management, he was discharged on May 12 and later readmitted on June 1 for the final corrective procedure.

After a thorough assessment, the cardiology team, led by Head of Department and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Anindya Sundar Trivedi, opted for an advanced minimally invasive approach. On June 10, the team successfully closed the heart defect through a catheter inserted via a blood vessel, eliminating the need for conventional open-heart surgery.

The intricate procedure lasted around two hours and was completed without complications. Following the intervention, Arbik made a remarkable recovery, with his breathing problems and recurrent infections resolving completely. He was discharged from the hospital in stable condition on June 19.

The achievement was made possible through the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary medical team. Cardiologists Dr. Rakesh Das and Dr. Manna Bhattacharya assisted in the procedure, while the Pediatrics Department was represented by Associate Professor Dr. Sribas Das and postgraduate doctor Dr. Syed Ashik.

Healthcare officials highlighted that such specialized treatment generally costs between ₹6 lakh and ₹8 lakh in private hospitals. However, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, all diagnostic tests, treatment, and procedural expenses were provided free of charge at AGMC and GB Pant Hospital.

The successful intervention marks a major advancement in Tripura's cardiac care capabilities and demonstrates the growing availability of advanced medical procedures within the state's public healthcare system.