Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital holds the 100th successful TAVI case anniversary, giving a new lease on life to cardiovascular patients

On 16/10/2025, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital (BV ĐHYD) organized the 100th successful aortic valve replacement via catheter (TAVI - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) ceremony, marking an important milestone in the treatment of heart valve disease in Vietnam.

Aortic valve stenosis is one of the most common and dangerous heart valve diseases in the elderly, with a prevalence of up to 3–4% in the over‑70 age group in developed countries. In Vietnam, although there is no nationwide statistic, experts estimate that about 100,000 – 150,000 people are living with this condition. The concerning point is that the disease progresses silently, symptoms are easily mistaken for normal aging, and it is only detected when chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke occur; at that stage, the risk of death within 2–3 years can reach 60–70%. “Even in asymptomatic patients, if an echocardiogram has identified severe aortic valve stenosis, the risk of sudden death still exists. Timely intervention is a vital factor,” Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Định – Deputy Director of BV ĐHYD affirmed.

In many years, open surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has been the main treatment method. However, for elderly patients, those with many comorbidities or frail condition, open surgery carries many risks. The advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has opened a breakthrough, providing a chance of life for many patients who previously could hardly undergo surgery. TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure, not requiring chest opening or general anesthesia. Doctors deliver the artificial valve through a catheter from the femoral artery to the narrowed aortic valve position and deploy it in the correct place, replacing the function of the old valve. Prof. Dr. Trương Quang Bình – Chairman of the Hospital Scientific Council emphasized: “This procedure helps patients reduce pain, reduce blood loss, limit complications, short intervention time and can be discharged after 3–5 days. This is the optimal choice for elderly patients, with many comorbidities, weak health, high surgical risk.”

Clinical reality has proven the effectiveness of TAVI. A 68-year-old male patient, with a history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, was hospitalized in a condition of prolonged chest pain and shortness of breath, was consulted by the cardiovascular team and was indicated for TAVI intervention. The procedure was successful, and just a few days later, the patient recovered well, resumed independent activities, and walked gently. In another case, Mr. T. V. C was diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis since 2022, and shared after treatment: “During the procedure, I was given local anesthesia, not general anesthesia. After a few days I felt completely healthy, the chest tightness and shortness of breath disappeared, my spirit was uplifted, and I feel I can live another 10–20 years. That is the greatest joy for me and my family.” Such stories are evidence of the practical effectiveness that TAVI brings.

To date, the Cardiovascular Center of DHYD Hospital has successfully performed over 100 TAVI cases, confirming its position as one of the pioneering and leading units nationwide in this field. This success is the result of the Heart Team model with close collaboration among cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging diagnostics, and anesthesiology intensive care. Associate Professor Dr. Vũ Hoàng Vũ – Head of Interventional Cardiology Department added: “We are currently using two types of TAVI valves, including balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves, flexibly selected for each case to ensure safety and optimal efficacy for patients. Not only do we stop at technical implementation, the Cardiovascular Center is also a leading unit in scientific research, international publication, and technology transfer of TAVI to many hospitals across the country.”

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Định shared the development direction: “Our goal is to build an Excellent Heart Valve Center meeting international standards, not only focusing on treating aortic valve stenosis but also expanding to diseases of the bicuspid, tricuspid valves and pulmonary artery. The success of 100 TAVI cases is the foundation for us to fulfill our mission: treatment, training, and scientific research – the proper role of a university hospital.”

Global studies have shown that for patients with severe aortic stenosis, even when asymptomatic, the one‑year mortality rate is 20–30%, and it can rise to 50% after two years. TAVI has demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce this mortality rate while also improving the quality of life for millions of people. With 100 successful TAVI cases, the University Hospital of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City has affirmed its professional expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opened up many more opportunities for healthy living for cardiovascular patients in Vietnam. This is not only a professional milestone but also a source of pride, a deeply humanitarian medical achievement that contributes to elevating the standing of Vietnamese medicine on the regional and global map.