TMC Iloilo unveils advanced heart, colon procedures

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo has introduced a suite of cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment services, making world-class healthcare more accessible in Western Visayas.

During a facility tour on Sept. 3, the hospital showcased medical innovations aimed at earlier detection, safer procedures, and better patient outcomes.

Among the latest advancements is the launch of Cardiac MRI, the first of its kind in the region.

This non-invasive imaging test produces highly detailed images of the heart, enabling doctors to diagnose conditions such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease without surgery.

“With this innovation, patients no longer need to travel far to access advanced procedures that were once available only in larger cities like Manila or Cebu,” said Dr. Grace Vargas, CT-MRI radiologist at TMC Iloilo.

The hospital also introduced Virtual Colonoscopy, a CT-based procedure that creates 3D images of the colon and rectum for cancer screening.

It is a less invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopy, requiring no anesthesia and allowing patients to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Its key advantage lies in delivering accurate diagnostic results with minimal discomfort.

In the field of interventional cardiology, TMC Iloilo has expanded its offerings to include Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and the Rotablator system.

IVUS uses a miniature ultrasound probe to visualize the inside of arteries, allowing for more precise treatment planning.

The Rotablator, meanwhile, is used to treat heavily calcified arterial blockages that cannot be managed by conventional stenting.

TMC Iloilo also became the first hospital in the region to perform Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL), a new technology that uses sound waves to fracture hardened calcium deposits in blood vessels.

This technique facilitates safer stent placement and improves long-term outcomes for patients with complex coronary artery disease.

“These milestones are not just achievements, they are part of a bigger vision: a future where healthcare is advanced, accessible, and deeply connected to the heart of the Ilonggo community,” the hospital said in a statement.

Founded in 2009, TMC Iloilo is one of five hospitals under The Medical City brand, alongside facilities in Ortigas, Clark, South Luzon, and Pangasinan.

It is also part of the broader TMC network, which includes Guam Regional Medical City—the first Filipino-owned hospital in the United States.