In a landmark achievement for cardiac care in Kerala, doctors at Kozhikode Government Medical College have successfully performed a pulmonary valve replacement using a minimally invasive technique, avoiding the risks and recovery challenges of traditional open-heart surgery. This surgery was conducted on a 24-year-old patient from Nilambur, who had previously undergone open-heart surgery for a congenital heart defect and later developed severe pulmonary valve leakage.
Understanding the Pulmonary Valve and the Condition
The pulmonary valve regulates blood flow from the heart’s right ventricle to the lungs. Valve leakage or dysfunction often requires replacement to restore normal heart function and improve the patient’s quality of life. Traditionally, replacing this valve involves open-heart surgery, with large incisions, a heart-lung bypass machine, and extended recovery periods.
The Innovation: Minimally Invasive Procedure
What makes this case exceptional is the use of a transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR), a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure. A 35 mm Myval valve was inserted via a catheter through an artery in the patient’s leg, eliminating the need for a sternotomy (chest bone opening) and cardiopulmonary bypass. This technique allows for reduced trauma, minimal scarring, less pain, lower infection risk, and much faster recovery compared to open-heart surgeries. The entire procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. M P Sreejayan and supported by specialists in cardiology, anesthesia, and cardiothoracic surgery.
The Surgical Team and Expertise
The success of this surgery reflects excellent departmental coordination and skill. Key team members included Dr. G. Rajesh (Head of Cardiology), Dr. Khadar Muneer, Dr. Sajeer, Dr. Radha (Head of Anaesthesia), Dr. Vipin, Dr. Sreeshanth, Dr. Shafi, Dr. S Rajesh (Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery), and the cath lab nursing and technical staff. The procedure was also supervised by Dr. Edwin, Senior Paediatric Cardiologist from Aster Medcity, Kochi, demonstrating collaboration beyond the institution.
Advantages and Impact of Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement
Minimally invasive cardiac surgeries like TPVR represent the future of heart valve treatment, especially for congenital heart disease patients. Compared to open-heart surgery, patients experience:
- Shorter hospital stays and quicker return to normal life
- Reduced blood loss and pain
- Smaller scars and lower infection rates
- Avoidance of heart-lung machine, reducing procedural risks
This advancement mitigates the need for repeated open-heart surgeries and the associated complications, especially significant for young patients or those with prior surgeries.
Regional and Social Significance
This breakthrough highlights Kozhikode’s growing role as a regional hub for advanced cardiac care, demonstrating that world-class treatments are accessible in Kerala beyond the metro cities. For patients in Nilambur and surrounding areas, this surgery offers hope of better outcomes with less invasive treatment options. It also showcases the talents of Kerala’s medical professionals who are adopting the latest technologies and adapting them expertly for local needs.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cardiac Care in Kerala
With technological progress and specialist training, minimally invasive cardiac surgeries are set to become mainstream in Kerala’s hospitals. This procedure is already a game-changer for pulmonary valve diseases, and similar techniques are evolving for aortic and mitral valve disorders. Kozhikode Medical College’s success story builds patient confidence and encourages further investment in healthcare infrastructure and training for such advanced cardiac interventions.
The minimally invasive pulmonary valve replacement at Kozhikode Medical College stands as a beacon of medical innovation and regional healthcare excellence. For patients, practitioners, and policymakers alike, it signals a hopeful direction towards safer, effective, and accessible cardiac surgeries. This achievement is not just a medical triumph but a profound step in enhancing lives through compassionate and advanced care.
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/11/13/pulmonary-valve-replacement-kozhikode-minimally-invasive-heart-surgery.html