For patients diagnosed with aortic valve disease, especially aortic valve stenosis, the idea of undergoing open-heart surgery can feel overwhelming due to its long recovery period and physical demands. Today, however, advanced minimally invasive cardiac procedures such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) are transforming heart valve replacement treatment in the Philippines.

At St. Luke’s Medical Center, patients gain access to world-class cardiology care, optimized system of care,  cutting-edge cardiovascular technologies, and expert-led interventional cardiology procedures that support faster recovery and improved quality of life.

Cornelio “Toto” Mapa, 88 years old, has been under the care of his long-time St. Luke’s cardiologist, Dr. Fabio Enrique Posas, for many years for coronary artery disease treatment and angioplasty with stent placement. All this is supported by continuous monitoring and expert cardiac care at St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City and St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City.

As part of his long-term heart disease monitoring and management, he was later diagnosed with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis, a condition that most  often requires aortic valve replacement surgery.

Understanding TAVI: A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Open-Heart Surgery

Traditionally, aortic valve replacement was performed via open-heart surgery, which is associated with  long hospital stay and an extended recovery time. However, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) offers a breakthrough in minimally invasive heart valve treatment,  for most patients and especially for elderly or high-risk patients.

Key benefits of the TAVI/TAVR procedure include:

• Minimally invasive, catheter-based heart procedure

• No need for full open-heart surgery or general anesthesia

• Access through a small incision, usually via the groin

• Shorter hospital stay and faster discharge

• Faster cardiac recovery and rehabilitation

• Relief in symptoms of aortic stenosis

• Improved quality of life after heart valve replacement

This advanced procedure pioneered by our team of care is part of modern interventional cardiology treatments at St. Luke’s Medical Center  offering safer alternatives for high-risk cardiac patients.

According to Mr. Mapa, his experience after undergoing TAVI/TAVR at St. Luke’s Medical Center was remarkably smooth. Just one day after the procedure, he was encouraged to stand and walk—an essential step in post-cardiac surgery rehabilitation and recovery.

“This is like a miracle cure. I've seen people who have been operated on with an aortic valve and are going through a difficult process of healing. Everything that happened to me thereafter was smooth sailing in the sense that I could get back and do my ordinary activities in life,” he shared.

Unlike conventional heart valve surgery, which may require weeks or months of recovery, TAVI or TAVR, a minimally invasive heart treatment, allows for:

• Rapid mobilization after surgery

• Reduced post-procedure pain

• Shorter hospital stay

• Faster return to daily activities

Why Choose St. Luke’s Medical Center for TAVI/TAVR and Cardiac Care?

As  the pioneer and leading provider of advanced cardiovascular care in the Philippines, St. Luke’s Medical Center and its team of experts  offers comprehensive services for heart disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, including:

• Expert interventional and structural heart specialist

• Advanced cardiac catheterization laboratory

• Cutting-edge minimally invasive surgical and catheter based  heart procedures

• Comprehensive multidisciplinary  heart valve disease treatment programs

• Personalized cardiac rehabilitation and recovery care

• Continuity of care 

Patients benefit from a fully integrated system of world-class cardiology services in the Philippines, ensuring safety, precision, and better long-term outcomes.

Mr. Mapa attributes his successful recovery not only to the TAVI/TAVR procedure itself but also to the experience and continuous innovation of his physician and care team. He noted, “ I have a very competent doctor, to the point that he keeps himself up to date on the new technologies related to his line of medicine.” 

His message to patients considering aortic valve replacement in the Philippines is simple: “...before anything else, look at the depth of experience and the many successful patient cases the doctor that you will choose has, in my experience, it is with Dr. Posas.” 

If you are experiencing symptoms of aortic valve stenosis, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, or heart failure early diagnosis is critical.

Explore whether TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) at St. Luke’s Medical Center is the right minimally invasive heart valve replacement option for you.

With advanced cardiac care in the Philippines, expert care,  specialists, and modern interventional cardiology procedures, better heart health and faster recovery are possible.

For more information, get in touch with our Product Information Hub at 0919-057-7744, 0998-534-2768, 0928-520-0239, or 0947-993-0471 (call), 0919-160-7744 (text), or email productinfo@stlukes.com.ph.