The 5th Taipei Valve Summit Virtual Forum in 2020, which brings together 14 heavyweight masters from across 22 time zones

The 5th “2020 Taipei Valve Summit ” was a virtual event held for three consecutive days starting from June 12. The conference was attended by over 100 cardiologists and experts from 14 countries across four continents, and 22 time zones, including the United States, Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Switzerland, Vietnam, Mainland China, Israel, Yemen, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference adopted live video broadcast for the first time, enabling online communication among the participants. The conference featured distinguished speakers such as Professor Alain Cribier, the inventor of TAVR technology, Professor Ye Jian, an internationally renowned TAVR expert, and Professor Tirone E. David, the pioneer of David’s surgery. The conference attracted nearly 9,600 online viewers during the three-day event.

Superintendent Jeng Wei emphasized the importance of valvular disease treatment in heart disease and acknowledged the challenges faced by medical staff worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed gratitude for modern technology that allows for online meetings and exchanges with experts from different parts of the world through live video broadcasting despite the pandemic. He also highlighted the need to continue learning and advancing medical knowledge even during these difficult times.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has indeed become a popular treatment option for severe aortic stenosis, especially for patients who are deemed high-risk or ineligible for traditional open-heart surgery. It’s reassuring to know that our hospital has performed so many successful TAVR procedures, including complex cases that require multiple valve replacements. An exceptionally high success rate is a testament to the skill and expertise of our Heart Team.

It was an honor to have such distinguished experts in the field of cardiology sharing their experiences and knowledge. The exchange of ideas and experiences between Professor Tirone E. David and Superintendent Wei was a valuable opportunity for the participants to learn and improve their skills. The David operation, named after Professor Tirone E. David, is a widely used technique for aortic valve repair surgery, and his insights and experience are invaluable. Similarly, President Wei’s expertise and experience in aortic valve repair surgery in Asia is highly respected, and his participation in the exchange will undoubtedly benefit the participants of the meeting.

The fact that the conference was able to bring together heavyweight masters in the field of cardiology from 14 different countries and regions is a testament to the importance and impact of the forum. The success of the conference also demonstrated the dedication and expertise of the Heart Team at our hospital, as well as our ability to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges.