GYEONGGI-DO

Myongji Hospital Initiates Full-Scale Implementation of

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Through Cardiovascular Integrated Treatment System

A Non-Invasive Solution for Elderly and Medically Compromised Patients,

Replacing Heart Valves Without Chest Incisions

Myungji Hospital, led by Director Kim Jin Goo, has firmly positioned itself as a central institution for advanced cardiac treatment, especially with the initiation of the highly challenging Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure among cardiac vascular interventions.

Having received certification as a TAVI procedural institution from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea last year, Myungji Hospital, under the leadership of Professor Suh Yong Sung and the team (Professor Lee Ji Hyun from the Department of Cardiology, Professor Kim Heung Su from the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, and Professor Kim Jung Won from the Department of Radiology), is actively advancing TAVI procedures. The team achieved success in treating patients with severe aortic valve stenosis.

TAVI is a non-surgical method that replaces the aortic valve in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, using an artificial heart valve inserted through the femoral artery without the need for chest incisions. This approach is particularly beneficial for elderly and high-risk patients, minimizing surgical burdens with shorter procedure and recovery times, along with a reduced risk of complications and pain.

Aortic valve stenosis, a leading cause of sudden death, manifests symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fainting. If left untreated and severe, it often leads to death within two years. Therefore, active intervention is crucial, and TAVI becomes the only viable solution, especially for elderly or medically compromised individuals unable to undergo traditional surgical procedures.

Myungji Hospital, conducting TAVI procedures, met strict criteria such as having specialized personnel and facilities for comprehensive cardiovascular disease treatment, achieving excellent outcomes in cardiovascular disease treatment, and obtaining certification from the Ministry of Health and Welfare last year.

The TAVI procedure team, led by Professor Suh Yong Sung and Professor Jeong Hyeon Ju in the Department of Cardiology, has established a collaborative system involving the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, and Radiology. Utilizing state-of-the-art imaging equipment in the Angio Room, as well as surgical and examination rooms in the hybrid surgical center, Myongji Hospital ensures the golden time for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Professor Suh Yong Sung remarked, “With the increasing difficulty of surgical intervention for severe aortic valve stenosis in aging patients, the utilization of TAVI procedures aligns with the global trend. We will continue to provide top-notch medical care and treatment to uphold Myongji Hospital’s excellent reputation in the field of cardiovascular disease treatment.”

On another note, Myongji Hospital, emerging as a hub for cardiovascular treatment, is led by the foremost authority in cardiac surgery in South Korea, Director Kim Ki Bong of the MJ Cardiovascular Center (Cardiothoracic Surgery). The hospital excels not only in comprehensive treatment from cardiac surgery to procedure and rehabilitation, but also in heart transplants. In addition, the hospital houses specialized centers for arrhythmia, aorta, and cardiac rehabilitation, showcasing a rapid and systematic medical care system dedicated to cardiovascular diseases.
 

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