The American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) did another achievement! According to a
, the structural cardiology team in the Department of Internal Medicine performed the first transcaval percutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVI) in the Middle East and Asia. This rare surgery is performed on patients who suffer from aortic stenosis; a condition where the aortic valve is narrow and does not allow the blood to circulate easily. This condition makes the heart work harder. In fact, the TAVI is a great alternative for the patients who cannot undergo an open-heart surgery. This procedure is very delicate. So, few medical centers in the U.S. and Europe offer it to their patients. The TAVI operation at AUBMC was headed by Dr. Fadi Sawaya who was assisted by Dr. Ziyad Ghazzal. Sawaya is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine. Also, Ghazzal is the Founding Director of the Heart and Vascular Clinical Center of Excellence. The operation was performed on an elderly lady who suffered from a severe aortic stenosis. This surgery was her only option. Dr. Sawaya mentioned that this achievement proves the excellent care that AUBMC offers to its patients. AUBMC constantly shows that it is striving to treat its patients with the latest techniques. This vision of excellence makes it the leading medical center in the region.
