In a first for Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital, the heart valve of a patient was replaced without resorting to open heart surgery. The procedure was carried out on a 67-year-old native from Powdikonam who was suffering from Aortic Stenosis. 

Aortic Stenosis is a type of heart valve disease where the valve between the lower left heart chamber and the body's main artery (aorta) is narrowed and doesn't open fully. This reduces or blocks blood flow from the heart to the aorta and the rest of the body. 

The procedure was carried out by the Cardiology Department of the Medical College. The doctors decided to go for the rare procedure as the patient was found not fit enough to undergo a full-fledged open heart surgery. 

The procedure was successful and the patient is recovering well, a release said. The team of doctors who carried out the procedure was led by Dr. K. Sivaprasad, Head of the Cardiology Department. Other team members are Dr. Ashish Kumar, Dr. V. V. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Mathew Iype, Dr. Sibu Mathew, Dr. Praveen Velappan, other cardiology faculty, Dr. Ravi Kumar and Dr. Aravind of Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, and Dr. Maya and Dr. Ansar of Anaesthesia Department. 

Medical College Hospital Superintendent Dr. A. Nizarudeen coordinated the activities. The collective effort of technicians, nurses, and other employees belonging to the Cardiology Department led to the successful carrying out of the procedure. The patient also received financial help from the government.