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Doctors at Kozhikode Medical College in Kerala have successfully performed a minimally invasive replacement of the pulmonary valve in a patient, avoiding the need to open the chest. The 24-year-old man from Nilambur underwent the procedure where a 35 mm “Myval” valve was inserted via an artery, enabling restoration of proper blood flow without conventional open-heart surgery.

The approach marks a significant advance in cardiac care at the state level. With the catheter-based technique, doctors accessed the heart through the vascular system rather than making a large incision in the chest. Such transcatheter pulmonary valve replacements reduce trauma, shorten hospital stay, and enhance recovery compared to standard surgery.

This breakthrough is particularly important for younger patients with congenital or developed valve disease affecting the pulmonary valve. In this case, the medical team opted for the interventional method to replace the valve swiftly and safely, thereby avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with open-heart procedures.

The patient is reported to be recovering well post-procedure and is expected to return to normal activity more quickly than would have been possible after traditional surgery. The medical team emphasised close monitoring and follow-up care to ensure long-term success.

Medical experts believe this milestone will open up new options for heart patients across Kerala and neighbouring regions, especially where access to complex cardiac surgery may be limited. The facility at Kozhikode now underscores that high standards of cardiac care can be delivered regionally.