Nepal Performs First Minimally Invasive Triple Heart Valve Surgery, Marking Historic Medical Breakthrough

Nepal has achieved a major milestone in healthcare after doctors at the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre (MCVTC) successfully performed the country's first minimally invasive triple heart valve surgery. The rare and highly complex procedure marks a significant advancement in Nepal's cardiac surgery capabilities and demonstrates the country's growing ability to provide advanced heart care.

The groundbreaking operation was carried out on a 52-year-old male patient suffering from severe damage to three heart valves caused by rheumatic heart disease. After receiving treatment and post-operative care, the patient made a full recovery and has already been discharged from the hospital.

A Historic First for Nepal

According to MCVTC, this is the first time in Nepal that surgeons have successfully completed a minimally invasive cardiac surgery involving all three heart valves.

The operation included a Double Valve Replacement (DVR)—replacing both the mitral and aortic valves—along with a Tricuspid Valve Repair (TV Repair). Performing all three procedures through a minimally invasive approach is considered exceptionally challenging and is carried out in only a limited number of highly specialized cardiac centers around the world.

The achievement is expected to strengthen confidence in Nepal's ability to perform advanced heart surgeries using modern surgical techniques.

Surgery Performed Through a Small Incision

Unlike conventional open-heart surgery, which requires surgeons to split the breastbone through a large incision in the center of the chest, this operation was performed through a small incision below the patient's armpit.

This minimally invasive technique offers several important advantages, including:

• Less pain after surgery

• Reduced blood loss

• Lower risk of infection

• Smaller surgical scars

• Faster recovery

• Shorter hospital stay

Because the breastbone remains intact, patients are often able to regain normal movement more quickly compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

Medical Team Behind the Achievement

The surgery was led by Dr. Anil Bhattarai, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at MCVTC, along with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, perfusionists, and other healthcare professionals.

The anesthesia team was led by Dr. Bibhush Shrestha and Prof. Dr. Bishwas Pradhan, who played a crucial role in managing the patient's condition throughout the lengthy and technically demanding procedure.

Dr. Bhattarai said the patient's mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valves had been severely damaged due to rheumatic heart disease, making the operation particularly complex.

Why This Surgery Is Significant

Heart valve disease affects the valves that regulate blood flow through the heart. When multiple valves are damaged, the heart has to work much harder, increasing the risk of heart failure, stroke, and other life-threatening complications.

Triple heart valve surgery is already one of the most complicated forms of cardiac surgery. Performing the procedure using minimally invasive techniques adds another level of technical difficulty because surgeons must work through a much smaller surgical opening while maintaining the same level of precision.

Medical experts say the successful completion of this procedure demonstrates the growing expertise of Nepal's cardiac surgeons and reflects significant progress in the country's healthcare system.

Reducing the Need for Treatment Abroad

Executive Director of MCVTC, Prof. Dr. Ratna Mani Gajurel, said the successful surgery proves Nepal is capable of providing advanced cardiac surgical services that meet international standards.

He added that such achievements could reduce the need for patients with complicated heart diseases to travel abroad for expensive treatment, allowing more people to receive high-quality care within Nepal.

The hospital believes the breakthrough will encourage further development of minimally invasive cardiac surgery and improve access to advanced healthcare services for Nepali patients in the future.

A New Chapter in Nepal's Cardiac Care

The successful completion of Nepal's first minimally invasive triple heart valve surgery represents more than a medical milestone—it reflects years of progress in surgical expertise, medical technology, and patient care.

As Nepal continues to expand its capabilities in advanced cardiac treatment, achievements like this offer hope to patients facing complex heart diseases while strengthening confidence in the country's healthcare system.