Peking Union Medical College Hospital Performs First Transcatheter Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Regurgitation
PUMCH successfully completed its first transfemoral TAVR procedure for pure severe aortic regurgitation using a next-generation valve — patient recovered in 72 hours without open-heart surgery.
A Cardiac Milestone at China's Most Prestigious Hospital
Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) — consistently ranked as China's #1 hospital — has successfully performed its first transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for a patient with pure severe aortic regurgitation, a condition historically requiring open-heart surgery.
The Patient
A 71-year-old man, referred to as Mr. Li, presented with severe aortic valve regurgitation complicated by:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Celiac trunk artery aneurysm
- Hypertension
His multiple comorbidities made traditional open-heart valve replacement extremely high-risk. The surgical team determined that a minimally invasive transcatheter approach offered the best risk-benefit ratio.
The Procedure
The PUMCH structural heart disease intervention team performed the TAVR through the femoral artery (groin access) under non-intubated anesthesia — meaning Mr. Li breathed on his own throughout the procedure without a breathing tube.
Key technical details:
- No chest incision — The entire procedure was performed through a small puncture in the groin
- Next-generation valve — A specialized prosthetic valve designed specifically for aortic regurgitation (not stenosis), representing a new class of devices
- Real-time imaging guidance — Transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy guided precise valve positioning
The Results
| Metric | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Aortic regurgitation post-procedure | Eliminated |
| Time to walking | 24 hours |
| Hospital discharge | 72 hours (3 days) |
| Left ventricular size | Significantly reduced by Day 1 |
| Left ventricular function | Improved |
The PUMCH cardiac team reported that their overall TAVR program has achieved 100% survival rates at perioperative, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up — an exceptional benchmark.
Why This Matters
Traditional treatment for severe aortic regurgitation requires open-heart surgery with:
- A 15-25 cm chest incision (sternotomy)
- Cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung machine)
- 7-14 days of hospitalization
- 6-12 weeks of recovery
- Significant risk for elderly patients with comorbidities
The TAVR approach eliminates all of this. The patient goes home in 3 days and returns to normal activity within 1-2 weeks.
TAVR Cost Comparison
| Item | China (PUMCH) | United States | United Kingdom (Private) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAVR procedure (total) | $25,000 - $45,000 | $150,000 - $300,000 | $60,000 - $120,000 |
| Hospital stay (3-5 days) | Included | $15,000 - $30,000/day | $5,000 - $10,000/day |
| Follow-up echo + consultation | Included | $2,000 - $5,000 | $1,000 - $3,000 |
About Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Founded in 1921 by the Rockefeller Foundation, PUMCH is China's most respected medical institution:
- Ranked #1 in China for 14 consecutive years
- JCI accredited with international patient services
- Houses over 60 clinical departments with world-class specialists
- Located in central Beijing, easily accessible for international patients
How to Access TAVR at PUMCH
Through SinomedTrip, international patients can access PUMCH's cardiac program:
- Submit your echocardiogram and cardiac imaging for remote review by the structural heart team
- Receive a candidacy assessment within 48 hours
- Travel to Beijing — we arrange airport pickup, hotel near the hospital, and medical interpreter
- Procedure and recovery — typically 5-7 days total in China for TAVR patients
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TAVR and how is it different from open-heart valve replacement?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure where a new heart valve is delivered through a catheter inserted in the leg artery and deployed inside the diseased valve. Unlike open-heart surgery, it does not require stopping the heart, using a heart-lung machine, or cutting through the breastbone. This means shorter recovery, less pain, and lower risk for patients who are elderly or have other health conditions.
Why is TAVR for aortic regurgitation considered more challenging than TAVR for aortic stenosis?
In aortic stenosis, the diseased valve has calcium buildup that provides an anchor point for the new valve. In aortic regurgitation, the valve leaflets are floppy and there is often no calcium to grip, making it much harder to secure the replacement valve in position. PUMCH's achievement of performing this procedure successfully represents a significant technical advance that expands TAVR to a new patient population.
Am I a candidate for TAVR instead of open-heart surgery?
TAVR is typically recommended for patients who are at intermediate to high surgical risk for open-heart surgery due to age, frailty, or other medical conditions. The PUMCH cardiac team evaluates candidacy through detailed imaging (CT angiography of the heart and blood vessels), echocardiography, and overall health assessment. SinomedTrip can arrange a remote evaluation to determine if TAVR is appropriate for your condition.
How much does TAVR cost in China compared to the United States?
TAVR at PUMCH costs approximately $30,000 to $50,000 including the valve device, procedure, and hospital stay, compared to $80,000 to $170,000 in the United States. For patients who are paying out of pocket or whose insurance does not cover TAVR, the cost savings in China can be substantial while accessing the same quality of care and device technology.
What is the recovery process after TAVR and how soon can I return home?
Most TAVR patients are walking within 24 hours of the procedure and discharged from the hospital within 3 to 5 days. A follow-up echocardiogram is performed before discharge to confirm the valve is functioning properly. Most patients can fly home 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure, once cleared by the cardiology team. Full recovery and return to normal activities typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Have a heart valve condition? Request a free assessment from PUMCH's cardiac team →
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
