Cardio Connect 2026 Builds Stronger Heart and Vascular Referral Pathways Across VisMin

Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue brings cardiovascular specialists across the region together to strengthen collaboration and connect patients to comprehensive heart and vascular care closer to home.

CEBU, Philippines — When a cardiovascular case becomes urgent or complex, one of the most important questions for a physician is simple: Where can I refer my patient next?

This was the purpose behind Cardio Connect 2026, held on September 19 at Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue. The event brought together cardiovascular specialists and healthcare professionals from Bohol, Dumaguete, Ormoc, and Cebu to strengthen professional connections and encourage more seamless referral pathways for patients with complex heart and vascular conditions.

More than a clinical symposium, Cardio Connect is an invitation for collaboration among healthcare facilities across the Visayas and Mindanao, giving physicians and their patients access to a tertiary referral partner when a higher level of cardiovascular care is needed.

Connecting Expertise Before the Urgent Case Arrives

Cardio Connect 2026 was organized by the Chong Hua Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute under the leadership of its Director, Dr. Francisco Chio Jr., who also led the faculty of lecturers.

He was joined by Dr. Marian Rosan Trani, Assistant Director, together with Dr. Keith Andrew Chan, Dr. Erwyn Novilla, Dr. Noel Patrick Vazquez, and Dr. Pacheco Romero Jr.

The faculty presented clinical cases and shared insights on TAVR, complex PCI, acute myocardial infarction triage, electrophysiology, and other challenging cardiovascular conditions.

The discussions reinforced an important reality: effective cardiovascular care often begins before the patient reaches a tertiary center. It starts when a physician recognizes the need for escalation, knows whom to contact, and can coordinate referral to a team with the appropriate expertise and resources.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care, Closer to Home

The Heart & Vascular Institute serves as Chong Hua Hospital’s Center of Excellence for cardiovascular care, bringing together specialists, technology, and facilities within an integrated program.

Its multidisciplinary capabilities include interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, advanced cardiovascular diagnostics, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, interventional radiology, coronary and critical cardiac care, and cardiac rehabilitation.

Supported by its Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Hybrid Operating Room, the Institute can manage cardiovascular needs ranging from coronary angiography and complex PCI to TAVR, cardiac rhythm procedures, bypass surgery, valve procedures, and complex vascular interventions.

For patients across the Visayas and Mindanao, having these capabilities in Cebu provides an important option for receiving advanced cardiovascular care closer to their families, communities, and referring physicians.

An Open Invitation to Healthcare Partners

Cardio Connect reflects Chong Hua Hospital’s commitment to building stronger cardiovascular referral relationships across VisMin. The goal is not to replace the role of local physicians or facilities, but to complement them when patients require a higher level of care.

For physicians, it means having a team to call when a case becomes complex. For patients and families, it means better access to advanced cardiovascular care within the region.

Because when every heartbeat matters, connection matters.

For Cardiovascular Referrals, Appointments & Inquiries

Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue – Heart & Vascular Institute
☎ (032) 233-8000 — Main Line
☎ (0995) 381 3063 — CCU and CRE
☎ (0995) 298 2551 — CAT-CVOR
☎ (0917) 140 7772 — Cardio Unit