British Top Expert Praises: Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University’s Cardiovascular Intervention Techniques Are World-Class

“Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University’s techniques are truly world-class, and its innovative breakthroughs in cardiovascular intervention are simply astonishing!” Recently, Professor Jan Kovac, a global pioneer in structural heart disease, one of the earliest experts to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) worldwide, and a top specialist at Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, expressed his admiration after observing a highly complex surgery at Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University (abbreviated as “XMCH”).The operation that won over this world-leading expert was an exceptionally challenging transcarotid TAVR procedure. Through the carotid artery access, the team completed the critical step of replacing the aortic valve in just 12 minutes, while simultaneously treating complex coronary artery disease, thus opening a life-saving pathway for a critically ill patient.

“Millimeter-Level” Precision and a “One-Stop” Procedure Rescued a Patient at Death’s Door

One week earlier, Mr. Zhang, a 44-year-old patient, sought treatment at XMCH due to persistent angina. He had long been dependent on dialysis and had previously undergone stent implantation. Examination results were alarming: severe disease in all three major coronary arteries, severe aortic stenosis, and severe calcification in the lower limb vessels. With multiple serious conditions, his body could no longer withstand the trauma of traditional open-heart surgery, and the risk of death was extremely high. Minimally invasive intervention was his only hope.

“Typically, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement is performed via the femoral artery, but his lower limb vessels were unsuitable, making this approach impossible,” explained Dr. Chen Xiang, Deputy Director of the Department of Structural Heart Disease at XMCH. The team decisively chose the more challenging carotid artery access. Since the carotid artery leads directly to the brain, operating here is like navigating through a “minefield,” requiring utmost precision and speed—any error could endanger the brain. To make matters worse, two severely blocked coronary arteries also required treatment simultaneously.

Facing this complex and critical case, the XMCH team remained calm under pressure. Under the full guidance of Professor Wang Yan, President of XMCH, and through multidisciplinary collaboration, they completed the key step of valve implantation in only 12 minutes via the carotid artery access, while simultaneously opening the blocked arteries. For additional safety, the team also provided circulatory support with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP).

This innovative, one-stop minimally invasive procedure—combining speed, precision, and innovation—successfully pulled the patient back from the brink of death. Its novel approach and superb skills also deeply impressed the international fellows of XMCH’s “Heart Sapling Program”, who were observing the operation.

British Authority Applauds Chinese Innovation on the Spot

TAVR is a minimally invasive technique for treating aortic valve disease, particularly suitable for elderly and high-risk patients who cannot tolerate open-heart surgery. The technique was first developed in France in 2002 and entered China in 2010.

As a pioneer and leader in Fujian Province, XMCH successfully performed the province’s first TAVR procedure in 2014 and has since continued to lead regional advancement in the field. As one of the first nationally accredited interventional centers for valvular heart disease, XMCH routinely performs a wide range of valve interventions, ranking among the top in China in terms of technical difficulty and surgical volume. The hospital also actively promotes domestic innovation, collaborating with enterprises to develop new medical devices—some of which are first-of-their-kind in China or even worldwide.

Meanwhile, XMCH launched the “Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program,” an international medical talent training initiative that recruits outstanding young cardiovascular physicians from around the world to study and train at XMCH, thereby sharing China’s experience and spreading cutting-edge technologies globally.

On the day of the surgery, as one of the key founders of global TAVR development, Professor Jan Kovac personally witnessed this life-saving race against time. He gave the hospital the highest praise: “I have taught in more than 80 countries and hundreds of hospitals, and have witnessed many high-level procedures. But the extraordinary and innovative work of XMCH is breathtaking—it stands at the very top of the world!”

Source: Xiamen Daily