DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – A regional cardiovascular medical center has expanded its services to Indonesia through a new collaboration with Bali International Hospital (BIH), marking the introduction of an advanced heart valve treatment procedure in Bali.
Sapporo Cardio Vascular Clinic (SCVC), which operates under Hong Kong Asia Medical Group (HKAMG), has begun working with BIH located in the Sanur Health and Wellness Special Economic Zone. The collaboration was marked by the first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures performed by SCVC at the hospital.
Preparation for the program began in December 2025, including patient screening and the selection of suitable candidates for the procedure.
Two Indonesian patients successfully underwent the TAVI treatment on March 7, 2026, through a joint medical team consisting of both Indonesian and international specialists.
The procedures were carried out by Dr. I Made Junior Rina Artha, an interventional cardiologist from SCVC, together with Prof. Lam Yat Yin and Prof. Su Xi from Hong Kong Asia Medical Group. The procedures were fully funded through HKAMG’s Surgery CSR Program, which aims to expand patient access to advanced medical technology.
The treatment is intended for patients with severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve can lead to heart failure or death if left untreated.
Previously, many patients with this condition faced limited treatment options due to the high risk associated with open-heart surgery or the need to seek expensive treatment overseas.
Through the partnership between SCVC and Bali International Hospital, patients in Indonesia can now access complex cardiovascular procedures that meet international medical standards without traveling abroad.
HKAMG Chief Executive Officer Steven Tse said the expansion of SCVC services into Indonesia is part of a broader effort to strengthen cardiovascular care across Asia.
“For more than two decades, HKAMG has been committed to advancing cardiovascular services through the integration of medical practice, education, and research. The presence of SCVC in Indonesia reflects our effort to introduce advanced medical technology and international clinical expertise to expand heart care access in Southeast Asia,” Tse said.
He added that the TAVI procedures conducted under the corporate social responsibility program aim to ensure medical innovation is accessible to patients who need it.
“Through this CSR TAVI program, we want to ensure that medical innovation is not only available but also accessible to patients who need it. The introduction of TAVI at Bali International Hospital marks an important milestone in expanding treatment options for patients with heart valve disease in Indonesia,” he said.
Dr. Noel Yeo, Chief of Commercial and Operations at PT Pertamedika Bali Hospital, said the collaboration represents an important step in developing advanced cardiovascular services in Indonesia.
“The introduction of the TAVI procedure at BIH is a significant milestone in expanding treatment options for patients with heart valve disease in Indonesia. It demonstrates that highly complex cardiac procedures can now be performed in Bali with international standards,” Yeo said.
He added that BIH has focused on ensuring the readiness of infrastructure, medical technology, and specialist collaboration to safely perform the procedure.
“Through our partnership with SCVC, we aim to continue developing comprehensive cardiovascular services while strengthening interventional cardiology capabilities in Indonesia,” he said.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, including in Indonesia. One of the most common conditions among elderly patients is severe aortic stenosis, which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, and heart failure.
As life expectancy increases, the number of degenerative heart valve cases has also risen, although not all patients are suitable candidates for open-heart surgery.
TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace the aortic valve without open surgery. A new valve is delivered through a catheter, typically inserted via the femoral artery in the thigh.
Compared to conventional surgery, the method generally carries lower risk and allows for a faster recovery period, with many patients able to return home within approximately 48 to 72 hours.
In Indonesia, the TAVI procedure is currently available in only a limited number of hospitals. The introduction of the service at Bali International Hospital is expected to broaden access while improving the standard of cardiac care.
Dr. I Made Junior Rina Artha said the procedure provides an important treatment option for high-risk patients.
“Many patients with severe aortic stenosis arrive at an advanced stage and face high risks if they undergo open-heart surgery. With TAVI, we can provide a safer and more effective treatment alternative with faster recovery,” he said.
Looking ahead, SCVC plans to strengthen collaboration with Indonesian cardiologists through knowledge transfer programs, multidisciplinary case discussions, and integrated clinical standards.
With support from HKAMG’s regional network, the development of international-standard cardiovascular services in Indonesia is expected to continue expanding, allowing more patients to receive advanced heart treatment without traveling abroad.