Cardiac healthcare has reached a milestone in Papua New Guinea, with the introduction of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) -a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a natural aortic valve with an artificial valve - a recommended procedure for patients who are unable to undergo open heart surgery. This was communicated during a recent press conference at the PMGH. Dr. Wesong Boko, an Interventional Cardiologist explained the criteria behind selecting patients for TAVI. “Individuals who show medium to high risk during open heart surgery; patients who are symptomatic and elderly patients with additional underlying conditions are recommended to undergo TAVI as post-recovery could add more complications to their present medical status.” He further explained that TAVI is a quick procedure that encourages a fast recovery and reduces hospital stay compared to open heart surgery. Additionally, it is a low-risk operation for high-risk patients. CEO of PMGH, Dr. Paki Molumi, acknowledged the significance of this milestone. “The first TAVI procedure performed in the catheterization laboratory, contributes to the achievements of the country as we head towards marking the 50th Independence Anniversary.” The first patient to undergo TAVI occurred on Sunday March 2nd, 2025; a 53-year-old male whose heart condition had been gradually deteriorating over the years and had been rejected twice from the Open-Heart Surgery program due to his age. PMGH's cardiology team, in collaboration with Dr. Gurbhej Singh, Certified Proctor for Valve Interventions, and Mr. Alok Chand, clinical specialist at Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Limited in India performed this surgery. Patients who are qualified for TAVI can now seek treatment within the country rather than travelling overseas. To perform TAVI, a doctor inserts a catheter into a blood vessel and guides the catheter to the location of the aortic valve in the heart using X-ray or other imaging tools as guide. The doctor then sends an artificial tissue valve through the catheter and places it in the area of the aortic valve. A balloon on the catheter tip expands to press the new aortic valve into place. The Catheter is then removed once the new valve is securely in position.