Life-Saving Cardiac Surgery: A Case of Medical Excellence and Insurance Collaboration

In mid-November 2025, a 74-year-old tourist was urgently admitted to Bangkok Hospital in Phuket, Thailand, after experiencing sudden shortness of breath, coughing, chest discomfort, and a brief loss of consciousness. Symptoms had developed rapidly — within an hour prior to seeking medical attention.

Initial examinations showed no significant abnormalities in lung function or heart rhythm. However, further diagnostic imaging revealed a critical condition: dissection and aneurysm of the ascending aorta. This life-threatening diagnosis required immediate surgical intervention.

Emergency Surgery and Complex Postsurgery Care

The patient underwent a high-tech cardiovascular procedure involving replacement of the thoracic aorta using cardiopulmonary bypass. The surgery lasted nine hours. During the operation, surgeons discovered a rupture in the aortic wall, with the ascending aorta reaching a diameter of 5 cm, accompanied by moderate aortic valve insufficiency.

The postsurgery period was complicated by seizures, deep vein thrombosis, and the formation of a periaortic hematoma, which necessitated a second surgical procedure. The patient received comprehensive medical care including anticoagulant, antibiotic, and anticonvulsant therapies, followed by an intensive rehabilitation program.

Multidisciplinary Medical Team and Recovery

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary medical team — including cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, neurologists, pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, nutritionists, and physiotherapists — the patient’s condition gradually stabilized.

After 40 days of hospitalization, he was discharged in satisfactory condition, able to move independently and perform self-care activities. Physicians approved air travel under special medical conditions and recommended follow-up aortic examination six months later.

Collaboration Between Two Insurance Companies

Treatment at a top-tier international hospital utilizing highly specialized and resource-intensive medical technologies inevitably results in substantial costs. The total hospital bill exceeded €100,000. Without comprehensive insurance coverage, such an event could have placed an enormous financial burden on the patient’s family.

In this case, coordinated collaboration between two insurance companies was required to fully cover the medical expenses. Additionally, business-class airline tickets were arranged for the patient and his accompanying spouse to ensure safe and comfortable repatriation.

Beyond Medical Coordination: Continuous Support

Upon returning home, the family expressed sincere gratitude to Remed team for continuous support, attention, and professional case management throughout this challenging period. They emphasized that the feeling of being cared for daily — never left alone with a critical situation — played an essential role in the patient’s recovery journey.