In a recent case, Amrita Hospital Faridabad doctors successfully performed a high-risk redo mitral valve replacement on a 44-year-old woman from Ethiopia, nearly 18 years after her first heart surgery.
The patient, Mahlet Tadesse Haile, had already undergone open-heart surgery once. Over the next two decades, she carried four full-term pregnancies, each placing increasing strain on her heart. The bioprosthetic mitral valve implanted during her first surgery deteriorated over time, which is common in younger patients.
By late 2025, the 18-year-old valve had begun to fail severely. Mahlet became breathless, unable to carry out daily activities, and eventually struggled even to walk. Upon evaluation at Amrita Hospital Faridabad, doctors found that the mitral valve had degenerated severely and the pressure in her lungs had increased, a condition known as pulmonary hypertension.
“In this case the heart was found stuck to the breastbone. Even opening the chest carried a risk of catastrophic bleeding. Add to this Mahlet’s single kidney, and every clinical decision had to be measured with absolute accuracy. Given Mahlet’s age, lifestyle, and underlying kidney condition, the medical team spent extensive time counselling her and her family on the choice between a mechanical valve and a tissue (bioprosthetic) valve. The final decision was made in favour of a tissue valve.” said Dr. Sameer Bhate, Senior Consultant & HOD, Adult Cardiac Surgery at Amrita Hospital Faridabad.
Despite the extreme complexity and risks, Mahlet’s postoperative recovery was smooth. Her kidney function remained stable, her heart rhythm normalised, and she regained strength within days of the surgery.
At the time of discharge, Mahlet’s family said they had arrived in India with serious concerns about whether such a complex redo surgery could be attempted. They noted that the operation had led to a marked improvement in her symptoms and overall stability.
Mahlet said the surgery had relieved her breathlessness and fatigue, which had progressively worsened before the procedure, allowing her to regain basic mobility and independence. She is now preparing to return to her home in Ethiopia.