By: Genevieve Judge

At Portneuf Medical Center, it's the first surgery in the history of the hospital, a successful triple heart valve replacement.  Local News 8 introduces you to the recipient of that successful surgery and checks the recovery process.

"It's great.  It turned out so well." says Sandra Matthews, the triple valve replacement surgery recipient.  Sandra Matthews is a young 65-year-old woman from Pocatello and Tuesday she under-went a very risky surgery. 

One that is usually performed on a university level but for the first time in the history of the Portneuf Medical Center, a triple heart valve replacement surgery was successfully completed. Doctors expected a double valve replacement, but when they got inside, they found 3 valves had to be replaced.  "These are such high risk operations to be able to be done and we can do these operations here in Pocatello." Says Dr. Jacob DeLaRose, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Portneuf Medical Center.

Doctors tell Sandra she's set to head back home in just a few days.  But just 24 hours ago she was a little concerned going into surgery but knew her heart was in good hands.  "I knew I was going to be out here.  I've got too much fishing and 4-wheeling and camping to do yet." Says Matthews.

Doctors at PMC say triple heart valve replacement surgery is one of high risk but one thing helped Sandra get through the extraordinary surgery.

"I'm a firm believer that to have a positive attitude and positive outlook is what gets you through the operation.  We're the technicians but you have to have it inside and in here and you'll be able to do great." Says Dr. DeLaRosa.  As for Sandra, she already has a game plan after she leaves the hospital.  "To get home and see my little dogs that are going crazy because I'm not there." Says Matthews.

Portneuf Medical Center says future operations of this stature depend on an individual case-by-case basis.  Doctors say they hope to perform more in the future.