19 June, 2025

India’s First MITRIS Valve Replacement for Mitral Valve Failure – Performed by Dr. A B Gopalamurugan, Leading Valve Expert

In February 2022, Dr. A B Gopalamurugan, one of India’s best interventional cardiologists and valve specialists, successfully performed India’s first Mitral Valve Replacement using a MITRIS valve on a 38-year-old patient with advanced mitral valve failure.

This cutting-edge valve technology is a game-changer — offering longer durability, eliminating the need for lifelong blood thinners, and delivering better outcomes for younger patients. In this article, we’ll explore what the MITRIS valve is, how it works, and why it’s a revolution in heart valve replacement therapy.

What is Mitral Valve Failure?

The mitral valve is one of the four valves in the heart. It ensures one-way blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle.

In mitral valve failure (also called mitral regurgitation), the valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward. This can result in:

✅ Breathlessness
✅ Fatigue
✅ Palpitations
✅ Swelling in legs
✅ Reduced exercise tolerance

Without timely treatment, mitral valve failure can lead to heart enlargement, arrhythmias, and eventually, heart failure.

What is the MITRIS Valve?

The MITRIS valve is a next-generation bioprosthetic (tissue) mitral valve engineered to replace the native valve in patients with mitral valve failure.

It is one of the latest innovations in structural heart therapy, developed to overcome the limitations of earlier mechanical and tissue valves.

Key Advantages of the MITRIS Valve

✅ No need for lifelong blood thinners
Traditional metallic valves require patients to take blood thinners (anticoagulants) daily for life, which increases the risk of bleeding complications. The MITRIS valve is made from advanced tissue material, so patients can avoid long-term anticoagulation.

✅ Engineered for durability
MITRIS valves are designed to last significantly longer than older tissue valves. This makes them suitable even for younger patients, who previously had no choice but to accept metallic valves.

✅ Improved hemodynamics
The valve’s design promotes better blood flow and reduces stress on the heart.

✅ Minimally invasive compatibility
MITRIS valve can be implanted through minimally invasive approaches like Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR), resulting in faster recovery and lower surgical risk.

The MITRIS Valve vs Mechanical Valves

Feature	MITRIS Valve	Mechanical Valve
Anticoagulation	No lifelong blood thinners required	Lifelong blood thinners needed
Durability	Extended lifespan	High
Lifestyle impact	Fewer restrictions	Major restrictions (due to anticoagulants)
Suitable for young patients	Yes	Limited due to lifestyle impact
Surgical approach	Minimally invasive possible (TMVR)	Usually open-heart surgery

The Patient Case – India’s First MITRIS Valve Replacement

Dr. A B Gopalamurugan, a highly respected valve specialist and top heart doctor in Chennai, performed India’s first MITRIS valve replacement on a 38-year-old schoolteacher from Madurai.

The patient, Kamal M, was severely symptomatic but was unwilling to accept a metallic valve due to the burden of lifelong anticoagulants.

After evaluating advanced options, Dr. Gopalamurugan offered the MITRIS valve — a solution that met the patient’s needs:

No blood thinners
Long-lasting valve
Excellent clinical outcomes

The surgery was performed successfully on Feb 19, 2022, via a Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) approach.

How TMVR Works with MITRIS Valve

TMVR is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for replacing the mitral valve:

✅ Performed through a catheter inserted via a small incision (usually femoral vein or small chest incision)
✅ Reduces hospital stay and speeds up recovery
✅ Less trauma to the body compared to open surgery
✅ Suitable for high-risk and younger patients

Why This is a Breakthrough for Indian Patients

Until now, patients with mitral valve disease in India faced difficult choices:

✅ Metallic valve — requiring lifelong blood thinners
✅ Older tissue valves — limited durability for younger patients

The MITRIS valve changes the equation:

✅ A durable tissue valve
✅ No anticoagulation required
✅ Suitable for younger patients
✅ Preserves lifestyle and quality of life
✅ Available in India — performed by Dr. A B Gopalamurugan, a global leader in valve interventions

Why Choose Dr. A B Gopalamurugan for Valve Replacement?

Internationally trained in UK and USA — one of India’s most accomplished interventional cardiologists
First in India to perform MITRIS valve replacement
Pioneer in TMVR, TAVR, complex structural heart interventions
Among the best valve specialists in India
Expertise in minimally invasive valve therapies
Known for patient-centric care and excellent success rates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the MITRIS valve made of?

It is a bioprosthetic valve, made from advanced tissue material engineered to resist wear and extend durability, without requiring lifelong blood thinners.

2. Who can benefit from a MITRIS valve?

Patients with severe mitral valve failure, especially those who:

Want to avoid anticoagulation
Are younger and need a durable solution
Are not ideal candidates for metallic valves
Prefer minimally invasive options

3. Is TMVR safe?

TMVR with MITRIS valve is a proven, safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced specialist like Dr. A B Gopalamurugan.

4. How long does recovery take?

Most patients resume normal activities within 2–4 weeks, compared to much longer recovery after open-heart surgery.

5. Who is the best doctor for MITRIS valve replacement in India?

Dr. A B Gopalamurugan is recognized as one of the top valve specialists in India, having performed the country’s first MITRIS valve replacement.

Conclusion

The arrival of MITRIS valve technology in India, combined with Dr. A B Gopalamurugan’s leadership, offers a new horizon for patients with mitral valve disease.

For patients seeking durable valve replacement without the burden of blood thinners, the MITRIS valve is now a trusted choice — and Dr. A B Gopalamurugan stands at the forefront of delivering this life-changing therapy.

Reference

ANI News Report: ANI News – MGM Healthcare successfully performs India’s first MITRIS valve replacement

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