New Delhi – Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI), New Delhi, has achieved a major breakthrough in cardiac care by performing one of India’s first implantations of the TRIA™ Mitral Valve, the world’s first heart valve made from a specially engineered polymer. The procedure was led by Dr. ZS Meharwal, Chairman & Head, Adult Cardiac Surgery, Heart Transplantation & VAD Program at FEHI.
The new TRIA™ valve, developed by U.S.-based Foldax® Inc. and manufactured in India by Dolphin Life Science, provides an alternative to traditional tissue valves that wear out quickly and mechanical valves that require lifelong blood thinners.
Made from a next-generation material called LifePolymer™, the TRIA™ Mitral Valve is:
Metal-free and animal-free.
Designed to last longer than tissue valves.
Free from lifelong blood-thinning medicines.
Manufactured using robotic technology for precision and safety.
India carries one of the world’s highest burdens of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), with over 40 million patients and more than 300,000 deaths each year. Many affected are young adults and women, who face difficult choices with current treatment options.
Clinical studies in India have already shown promising results with the TRIA™ valve, including:
Over 50% improvement in heart blood flow.
0% valve-related deaths or repeat surgeries after one year.
42% improvement in patient walking distance.
Significant gains in quality of life.
These findings have been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).
With this launch, India becomes the first country in the world to make the TRIA™ Mitral Valve commercially available, highlighting its leadership in adopting advanced medical technologies.
Speaking on the achievement,Dr. Meharwal said:
“For many young patients and women, the TRIA™ Mitral Valve offers hope for a healthier, longer life without the challenges of repeat surgeries or lifelong blood thinners. This is a new milestone for advanced cardiac care in India.”
