Sarajevo clinic performs nine heart valve procedures under new funding rules

Doctors at the University Clinical Centre Sarajevo (KCUS) successfully performed nine TAVI procedures over three days to treat patients older than 75 years.

The medical team, led by Prof. Dr. Nermir Granov, used a minimally invasive method to replace aortic valves. All nine patients have since been discharged for home treatment and report feeling well. The procedures became accessible following new regulations from the Sarajevo Canton Government and the Ministry of Health of Sarajevo Canton.

These changes allow health insurance funds to cover the cost of the medical supplies required for the surgery. Previously, patients had to pay for the heart valve themselves, which cost approximately 50,000 KM per person. The Ministry of Health of Sarajevo Canton states it continues to implement measures to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.

By providing systemic insurance for these modern treatment methods, the government aims to make advanced medical care more accessible to citizens who need it.