BEIRUT – Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital achieved a major milestone in medical innovation on February 12, 2026, by performing the country’s first percutaneous implantation of a self-expanding pulmonary valve.

The procedure was done without a balloon, placing the valve directly in the pulmonary artery.

According to a hospital statement, the operation was carried out under the supervision of Professor Zakhia Saliba and his medical and nursing team, marking a turning point in congenital heart intervention techniques.

Professor Saliba previously led the world’s first similar valve implantation in 2000 in France.

The statement emphasized that this advancement opens new treatment options for patients with congenital heart disease, particularly those who have undergone multiple surgeries and suffer from significant pulmonary artery enlargement.

The device allows a less invasive alternative, especially for patients with impaired right ventricular function.

“Hôtel-Dieu de France’s successful implementation of this national first reflects its ongoing commitment to medical excellence, technological innovation, and the development of advanced interventional techniques, in line with the highest international standards,” the statement concluded.

This breakthrough demonstrates Lebanon’s growing capabilities in cutting-edge cardiac care and highlights the hospital’s role as a regional leader in minimally invasive heart procedures.