A team of Adelaide cardiologists have performed a world-first surgery to treat a serious heart condition they say could be life-changing for thousands of Australians.

The non-invasive surgery, performed at St Andrew's Hospital last Friday, involves a new technique to insert a device to treat a leaking mitral valve.

Treatment would usually require open surgery, but the new method allowed for the replacement of the mitral valve through a vein in the leg, avoiding the need to open the chest.

Dr Joseph Montarello, one of five GenesisCare cardiologists involved in the operation, said the surgery was a success.

"The patient is in good condition and recovering at home, with excellent indicators for full recovery," he said.

"The results of this surgery could literally be life-changing for thousands of Australians with mitral valve disease."

Dr Montarello said heart failure with mitral disease is a serious condition causing severe breathlessness and poor quality of life, as well as a high risk of death.

"We are excited to see where the rest of the study leads us, and we are confident it will deliver important findings to improve outcomes for patients with mitral valve disease," he said.