At the annual International Scientific Conference of the Vietnam Heart Institute - Bach Mai Hospital 2026 held on June 20 with the theme "Technology Pioneering - Clinical Breakthrough - Starting a new cardiology era", Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan - Deputy Minister of Health, Chairman of the National Medical Council - emphasized that cardiology is a special specialty, where each treatment decision can directly affect the survival of patients.
The world is witnessing unprecedented developments in the field of cardiology with breakthroughs in complex coronary intervention, bypass valve replacement, mechanical circulation support, artificial intelligence and precision medicine.
Behind each technological advance is not only a new technique or a new device, but a life saved, a family with hope left, and a society that reduces the burden of disease," the Deputy Minister shared.
Closely following the spirit of Resolution No. 72 of the Politburo on shifting the focus from treatment to disease prevention and lifelong health care, Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan proposed that the cardiovascular sector promote early detection of risk factors, effectively control high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and metabolic diseases; and at the same time strengthen stroke prevention, optimize treatment of heart failure, develop cardiovascular rehabilitation and build a healthy lifestyle in the community.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Co - Director of Bach Mai Hospital - said that in 2025, the Vietnam Heart Institute performed more than 14,000 cardiovascular interventions and over 1,400 high-tech heart surgeries, mastering many modern technologies such as aortic valve replacement via catheter (TAVI), MitraClip or atrial fibrillation by field-pulse energy (PFA).
The highlight of the conference was live clinical demonstrations (Live Case), introducing many advanced cardiovascular techniques. Notably, experts successfully performed complex coronary intervention with an AI-integrated ultrasound system (AI-IVUS), first-time deployed IVAC mechanical circulatory support device in Vietnam, replaced aortic valves via catheters (TAVI) under 3D modeling support, and pinched atrium fibrillation with field pulse energy (PFA) - a new generation technology in the treatment of arrhythmia.
However, the greatest achievement does not lie in the number of techniques or research projects, but in the ability to transform scientific knowledge into practical benefits for patients" - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Co emphasized.
In the coming time, Bach Mai Hospital will continue to strongly invest in scientific research, build a large database, promote digital transformation and train high-quality human resources. In particular, Bach Mai facility in Ninh Binh is expected to go into operation from June 26 according to the "One Unified Bach Mai" model, in which cardiology continues to be a priority development specialty.
