Bali's BIH Hospital Performs First TAVI Heart Valve Procedure

Bali International Hospital (BIH) has performed a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure, which involves replacing the aortic valve without open-heart surgery. This procedure marks the first time it has been conducted in Bali, following earlier procedures in hospitals in Jakarta and Makassar.

The procedure was carried out by cardiologist I Made Junior Rina Artha on two patients aged over 70 years old. Prior to undergoing the procedure, both patients reported experiencing shortness of breath during daily activities.

According to Junior, this condition resulted from aortic valve stenosis, which obstructed blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. “This is a procedure to repair an aortic valve that has become narrowed or shrunken. Because the valve is constricted, blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta automatically decreases, causing patients to experience chest tightness during activity,” he explained on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Unlike conventional open-heart surgery, the TAVI procedure employs a minimally invasive method using a catheter inserted through blood vessels in the groin area. This method is considered advantageous compared to open-heart surgery because patient recovery is significantly faster.

“Without surgery, patients can mobilise within a day, which is clearly different from surgery requiring a longer recovery period,” said Junior.

Junior added that the procedure duration is relatively brief, lasting approximately one to one and a half hours. In future, the procedure is expected to be performed without general anaesthesia. Currently, TAVI procedures typically still require full anaesthesia.

“In future, many TAVI procedures will be performed without general anaesthesia, requiring only local anaesthesia. The procedure lasts around one to one and a half hours, and afterwards patients can mobilise immediately,” he noted.

Despite its advantages of speed, minimal scarring and reduced pain, the procedure requires relatively higher costs. “Compared to standard procedures, the cost can be approximately double,” he concluded.