Julia Bonaobra-Yap, 81 years old, had planned to enjoy a relaxing spa day. However, her day took a sudden turn when she experienced a severe allergy attack that caused her breathing difficulties. She was immediately taken to the emergency room, where she received first aid for her allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, her condition was so severe that she needed to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Although she was eventually discharged and deemed fit, her relief was short-lived.
In March 2023, Julia experienced what appeared to be another allergy attack that made it difficult for her to breathe. However, this time, she also felt a weight on her chest that caused her to lose consciousness. She was immediately rushed to the same hospital as before, but her condition was more severe than the previous attack, and her heart stopped beating. Thankfully, the hospital staff
were able to revive her after six minutes, and she regained consciousness after a few hours. Although she was saved, doctors suspected that her symptoms were not just caused by an allergy attack. Julia was intubated while doctors conducted further tests, and they eventually discovered that the valve responsible for allowing the blood to exit the heart, was almost completely obstructed. They determined that the only way to save her life was to perform a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) or Open-Heart Valve Replacement Surgery.
WHAT IS TAVR AND WHAT IS ITS ADVANTAGE OVER OPEN HEART SURGERY?
TAVR STANDS FOR TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT. IT IS A MINIMALLY INVASIVE
SURGICAL PROCEDURE USED TO REPLACE A DAMAGED AORTIC VALVE IN THE HEART. TAVR IS A NEWER ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL OPEN-HEART SURGERY, WHICH INVOLVES MAKING A LARGE INCISION IN THE CHEST TO ACCESS THE HEART. TAVR IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE LESS INVASIVE THAN OPEN-HEART SURGERY AND CAN BE A VIABLE OPTION FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE AT HIGH OR INTERMEDIATE RISK FOR COMPLICATIONS WITH TRADITIONAL SURGERY.
Due to Julia’s age and health condition, Open Heart Surgery poses significant risks. Her frail body may not be able to handle the surgery, it may worsen other pre-existing conditions, and the longer recovery period may be too difficult to endure. Therefore, the family opted for TAVR as the most suitable alternative. However, during the pre-operation tests, it was discovered that Julia’s lungs were congested with fluid, which could further complicate her breathing.
At Asian Hospital and Medical Center, a multidisciplinary team was created to handle Julia’s case with Dr. Fabio Enrique Posas as the Head Interventional Cardiologist; Dr. Marc Louie Del Rosario, Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Gilbert Florentino, Electrophysiologist; Dr. Margrette Ruth Bernardo, Nephrologist; Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, Infectious Disease Expert; Dr. Lenora Fernandez,
Pulmonologist; and Dr. Adrian Peter Desquitado, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon. This team of experts ensured that Julia would have the best intervention available with the least possible complication.
On April 15, 2023, Julia underwent a successful TAVR procedure performed by a team of experts at Asian Hospital. This gave Julia and her family renewed hope, as her heart valve, which had only a 0.4cm 2 opening, was replaced with a new one with a 1.5cm 2 opening. This allowed for regular blood flow and adequate supply, improving her overall health.
Image source: https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/heart-and-vascular-care/diseases-conditions/heart-valve-disease/
Julia has been discharged from the hospital and is currently in good condition. There is no more difficulty in breathing. While still under Occupational Therapy, she can already eat on her own and can walk at least 10 steps with the help of a walker. She actively participates in her Cardiac Rehabilitation sessions. Furthermore, she remembers her doctors, including Dr. Posas, whom she found to be one of the most handsome doctors during her stay. Dubbed as “The Heart Plumber”, Dr. Posas is currently the Head of Structural Heart Disease and Endovascular Therapy at Asian Hospital and was bestowed the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi in 2018 for contributing “significantly to an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.”
In addition to celebrating her second chance at life, Julia is also grateful to her entire medical team, including the nurses, for making her stay as comfortable as possible.
To know more about Structural Heart Disease, contact the Asian Cardiovascular Institute at (02) 8-771-9000 locals 5751 and 8250.