【Chikamori Hospital, Social Medical Corporation】TAVI—Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation—Expected to Reach 1,000 Cumulative Cases on May 14!

The Cardiovascular Surgery department at our hospital, which boasts one of the highest numbers of cardiac aortic surgeries in the Chugoku-Shikoku region, is expected to reach 1,000 cumulative cases of "TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)," one of the cardiac surgeries started in 2014, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, marking the first time in Shikoku.

Since starting TAVI treatment in 2014, we have steadily accumulated cases, leading to our certification as the first "TAVI Specialized Facility" in Shikoku in 2019, and further as the first "TAVI Training Facility" in Shikoku (25th nationwide) in 2023.

TAVI is a minimally invasive treatment that involves implanting an artificial valve using a catheter without a large chest incision. It is becoming widely adopted nationwide as an effective treatment for elderly patients and those with high surgical risks.

Particularly in Kochi Prefecture, which has one of the highest aging rates nationwide, the demand for TAVI treatment, which places less burden on the body and promises early recovery, is increasing year by year.

Achieving 1,000 cumulative cases at a single facility in a rural area with a population of less than 1 million is highly significant, and we believe it is one of the results of our continuous provision of advanced medical care rooted in the community.

What is TAVI?

"Heart valve disease" refers to a condition where a heart valve is impaired and cannot perform its original function. Traditionally, surgical treatment (valve replacement surgery involving opening the chest and replacing the valve with a mechanical or biological valve) was performed. However, TAVI is a treatment method that uses a catheter to implant an artificial valve for patients who had to give up on surgical treatment due to factors such as declining physical strength due to old age or risks from other diseases.

What are the benefits of TAVI?

- Unlike surgical treatment, it does not involve opening the chest. It is a minimally invasive treatment method that approaches the heart using a catheter without stopping the heart, placing less burden on the body.

- Treatment time and hospitalization period are short, and a relatively quick return to daily life can be expected.

Scene from the first TAVI procedure in the prefecture (photographed in 2014). Director Irie (right) and Hospital Director Kawai (left), who were in charge of the memorable first case.

Chikamori Hospital TAVI Achievements

- 2014: TAVI treatment started
- 2019: Certified as the first "TAVI Specialized Facility" in Shikoku
- 2023: Certified as the first "TAVI Training Facility" in Shikoku (25th nationwide)
- May 2026: Expected to achieve 1,000 cumulative cases, a first in Shikoku

Moving forward, our hospital will continue to strive for the enhancement of advanced cardiovascular medical care as a core regional hospital, and work towards the dissemination and development of treatments that respond to an aging society, providing safe and secure medical care to patients both within and outside the prefecture.