Fortis Hospital Performs World’s First Non-Surgical Heart Valve Replacement Following Prior Valve Ring Repair
Minimally invasive TMVR procedure offers hope to high-risk cardiac patients previously considered inoperable
Bengaluru, October 17, 2025: Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, has achieved a global first by successfully performing a minimally invasive heart valve replacement on a 65-year-old woman with a prior valve repair using Teflon support bands. The patient, who had experienced repeated valve failures, was deemed too high-risk for conventional open-heart surgery.
In a groundbreaking intervention, doctors employed Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR), avoiding open-heart surgery and offering a safer, life-saving alternative. The procedure marks a major advancement in cardiac care and opens new possibilities for patients worldwide who were previously considered unsuitable for redo surgery.
Mrs. Rekha had initially undergone balloon dilation for a narrowed heart valve, followed by a repair using Teflon bands in 2013. Over time, her valve tissue deteriorated, leading to severe valve failure. Unlike conventional full-circle annuloplasty rings, the earlier Teflon band was incomplete and difficult to detect on X-rays, presenting unique challenges for securing a new valve. This made her case the first successful TMVR in a failed Teflon annuloplasty globally.
TMVR is a minimally invasive technique where a replacement valve is delivered to the heart via a catheter inserted through a vein in the groin. The interventional cardiology team used advanced imaging—including ultrasound, CT scans, and real-time tracking—to accurately guide the new valve into position. The team successfully implanted the Meril MyVal, an Indian-made valve designed for minimally invasive placement.
Dr. Srinivasa Prasad B V, Additional Director – Interventional Cardiology, said,
“The patient had a complex history, including prior surgeries, residual stroke deficits, and a challenging chest scar. Redo open-heart surgery was extremely high-risk. Performing the first TMVR in a failed Teflon annuloplasty demonstrates that even high-risk patients can now benefit from minimally invasive solutions.”
Dr. Thejaswini Parthasarathy, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, added, “This world-first procedure showcases how innovation, careful planning, and teamwork can transform outcomes for patients with complex heart conditions, offering safer alternatives and faster recovery.”
Mrs. Rekha’s family expressed relief and gratitude:
“Learning that the procedure could be performed safely without the risks of conventional surgery gave us hope. Seeing her recover smoothly has been a huge relief. We are thankful to the Fortis team for their expertise and care.”
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