Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Performs India’s First Successful Implantation of TRIA™ Mitral Valve – A Global First in Polymer Heart Valve Technology

New Delhi: In a groundbreaking advancement in cardiac care, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, has successfully performed one of India’s first TRIA™ Mitral Valve implantations — marking a significant step in the country’s adoption of next-generation heart valve technologies. This is the world’s first polymer-based heart valve, developed by Foldax® Inc. (USA) and manufactured in India by Dolphin Life Sciences. The complex procedure was successfully led by Dr. Z.S. Meharwal, Chairman and Head of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Heart Transplantation & VAD Program at Fortis Escorts. Traditionally, patients had to choose between tissue valves, which degrade quickly (especially in younger patients), or mechanical valves, which last longer but require lifelong blood-thinning medication and have lifestyle limitations.

The TRIA™ Mitral Valve, made with LifePolymer™, offers a revolutionary alternative:

• Metal-free and animal tissue-free – avoiding ethical and durability concerns.

• Engineered for long-term durability – outlasting typical tissue valves.

• No lifelong blood thinners required – especially beneficial for young adults and women of childbearing age.

• Robotic precision manufacturing – ensuring consistency, accuracy, and safety.

Dr. Meharwal stated, “We are proud to be among the first to offer this next-gen valve to Indian patients. The TRIA™ Mitral Valve offers new hope to many who can now avoid repeat surgeries and lifelong medications — redefining cardiac care in India.”

India bears the highest burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) globally, affecting over 40 million people, with more than 30,000 deaths annually, mostly among young adults and women. This valve offers hope to those patients who had limited treatment options.

One-year clinical results across major hospitals (including Fortis) show:

• 50%+ improvement in cardiac blood flow

• 0% valve-related deaths or re-operations

• 42% increase in 6-minute walk test distances

• Improved daily activity and quality of life

These findings have been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC). India is the first country to commercially launch the TRIA™ Mitral Valve, establishing itself as a global leader in advanced cardiac technology.