Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital Records 100% Success Rate in TAVI for 3 Years

An interdisciplinary team headed by Professor Kang In-sook and comprising a cardiologist, thoracic surgeon, anesthesiologist, radiologist, and others.

The TAVI team at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital is in the spotlight for recording a 100% success rate in TAVI for 3 years. 

The team led by Professor Kang In-sook is composed of a cardiologist, thoracic surgeon, anesthesiologist, radiologist, radiological technologist, and other skilled medical professionals. They show such superb teamwork that they are often described as the Best Ensemble. 

TAVI, or transcatheter aortic valve implantation, is a procedure that can help restore the function of an aortic valve that has hardened like a stone and does not open properly due to stenosis. 

It is a non-surgical procedure with no need to open up the chest. An opening is made into the skin (percutaneously), and a folded valve is inserted with a catheter and then opened while using X-ray imaging. Quite literally, a new substitute valve is inserted above the hardened valve. 

Professor Kang In-sook of the Department of Cardiology at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital is a leading authority on TAVI. She explains, “TAVI is an invaluable procedure that eliminates the need for open heart surgery, making it less of a burden for elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis.”

However, TAVI is not performed at all hospitals. In order to perform the procedure, the hospital must satisfy four conditions: have at least two cardiologists with a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in interventional procedures; have at least two thoracic surgeons with a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in interventional surgery; have performed a relatively consistent annual number of open chest procedures; and have performed a relatively consistent number of cardiovascular interventions.

Professor Kang says, “Aortic valvular stenosis is a very dangerous disease that can cause sudden cardiac death if left untreated. However, by receiving appropriate treatment such as TAVI, individuals can regain health and live a normal life again. It is most important, above all else, to not be afraid and to consult with a specialist to receive appropriate treatment.”