Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital demonstrates live Valve-in-Valve TAVI on a patient with bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration
During the two days of September 20-21 in Gia Lai, the 11th National Interventional Cardiology Conference was successfully held, attracting more than 1,000 cardiology experts from across the country. The event was organized by the Interventional Cardiology Sub-Committee of Vietnam (under the Vietnam Cardiology Society), and it is regarded as one of the most prestigious and largest scientific forums in the field of interventional cardiology.
This year's conference offers a rich academic program with many scientific reports, exemplary clinical cases, and intensive training sessions. The content ranges from complex coronary artery interventions, structural heart interventions, arrhythmia treatment to the application of advanced imaging technologies such as IVUS, OCT, and FFR. Notably, the conference emphasizes the trend toward minimally invasive techniques, aiming to optimize treatment efficacy and enhance patient safety.
At this year's conference, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City actively participated and left a profound professional imprint through two live demonstrations: one case of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) and one case of percutaneous coronary intervention via the skin.
In particular, this is also the first time the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City directly performed a "Valve-in-Valve TAVI" intervention – a technique to replace the aortic valve via a catheter, placing a new valve inside the degenerated old biological valve. The patient is a 69-year-old male with a history of biological aortic valve replacement surgery 10 years ago, and multiple comorbidities such as atrial fibrillation, preserved ejection fraction heart failure, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. This is considered a rare, complex clinical case with many risks, requiring close coordination of the cardiac team (Heart-Team) including interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac imaging, and anesthesiologists.
The Heart-Team at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City independently coordinated, mastered the technique, controlled the situation, effectively collaborated, and successfully implanted the new SAPIEN 3 aortic valve via the catheter. The valve functioned well immediately after the procedure, hemodynamics improved markedly, and no acute complications were recorded. This success has affirmed the high technical expertise of the team at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
The University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City currently possesses a modern Cath Lab system, advanced equipment and an experienced staff, and the hospital has also implemented most high‑level interventional cardiology techniques: from PCI, TAVI, MitraClip, heart valve replacement, closure of congenital heart defects to peripheral vascular interventions and ablation of arrhythmias. This foundation has enabled the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City to successfully handle many highly complex interventional cases, bringing new life to patients.
Speaking after the Livecase session, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Định – Deputy Director of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City emphasized: “Demonstrating the Valve-in-Valve TAVI case directly at this conference is not only an opportunity for us to share in‑depth experience but also clearly showcases the team's mastery of advanced interventional cardiology techniques at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. This is not only evidence of the hospital's efforts to master high‑level techniques but also a commitment to innovation and elevating the quality of treatment, delivering maximum benefit to cardiovascular patients.”
The 11th National Interventional Cardiology Conference has concluded with many brilliant successes, opening up extensive academic cooperation opportunities and laying the foundation for sustainable development of the specialty. The presence and contribution of the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City Hospital at the event not only created a strong academic imprint but also helped elevate the image of Vietnamese medicine on the global interventional cardiology map.