Coronary Surgery in Colombia Restores Hope to 76-Year-Old International Patient

• A 76-year-old woman, resident of the British Virgin Islands, traveled to Bucaramanga to undergo a high-complexity coronary surgery at the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC). The procedure reduced her imminent risk of heart attack or sudden death.

• Cardiovascular diseases cause nearly 2 million deaths per year in Latin America and the Caribbean. Shirley Elizabeth Juredin’s story illustrates how cooperation between Caribbean specialists and Colombian centers opens the door to advanced treatments that, in many local contexts, are limited or difficult to access.

• Two weeks after surgery, Shirley reported being pain-free and hopeful about returning to her daily life. “It was better than I imagined,” she said, highlighting the medical quality and the support provided by HIC’s International Office throughout the process.

Bucaramanga, Colombia, September 24, 2025.

Shirley Elizabeth Juredin, a 76-year-old South African woman residing in the British Virgin Islands, arrived at the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC) with advanced coronary disease. Upon admission, she presented with persistent chest pain, pressure radiating at times to her arm, shortness of breath, and progressive fatigue—classic symptoms of cardiac ischemia, indicating that her heart was not receiving enough oxygen due to arterial blockages.

Doctors in the Virgin Islands, after performing an angiography, concluded that her condition could not be managed locally and required treatment at a more specialized center. With the diagnosis of left main coronary artery disease and triple-vessel involvement and considering her history of breast cancer treated with radiotherapy, the HIC team planned a high-complexity surgery using advanced techniques to restore blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attack or sudden death.

An Exceptional Intervention

Dr. Gustavo Prieto, Head of Cardiovascular Surgery at HIC Instituto Cardiovascular, explained that the complexity of the case demanded careful planning. Before surgery, the team convened specialists in cardiology, geriatrics, and internal medicine to analyze every detail. It was not only Shirley’s age but also her prior radiotherapy—a factor that often hardens and adheres tissues—making surgical access more challenging. The committee’s conclusion was clear: surgery was feasible but required a precise technique to minimize risks.

The decision was to perform an off-pump coronary artery bypass (beating-heart surgery). Unlike conventional procedures, where the heart is stopped, and the patient is connected to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, this approach allows surgery while the heart continues to beat. In addition, the aorta was not manipulated, decreasing the risk of neurological and vascular complications—particularly relevant in this kind of patient.

“We chose to perform the procedure without stopping the heart or touching the aorta, knowing it was the safest alternative for her,” explained Dr. Prieto. “Thanks to prior preparation and the team’s expertise, we achieved a successful outcome that reduced risks and allowed for a faster recovery.”> 

Colombia as a Destination for Medical Excellence

"When doctors in the Virgin Islands recommended, she travel to Colombia for treatment, Shirley did not know what to expect. She had never been to Bucaramanga and was unfamiliar with HIC. Yet what she found was a hospital with the technical capacity and trained personnel to manage her case, combined with humane care that inspired trust from the very first day. “The hospital is beautiful, so efficient and well organized. Everyone has been kind, attentive, and treated me with a human quality beyond my expectations. I would recommend it to anyone needing heart surgery,” said Shirley.

Her caregiver, Edlene Yangco Taghap, recalled her initial doubts: “I asked myself: why Colombia? So, I researched and discovered that HIC is one of the best hospitals in Latin America in cardiovascular care. When we arrived, I confirmed it was true: the staff is very empathetic, creating a safe and trustworthy environment. Even the surgery was surprisingly fast: we were told it might take six hours, but in three everything was successfully finished.”

Clinical Outcome: Life Restored

The clinical result was evident in a short time. Within six to seven days after surgery, Shirley was discharged. Two weeks later, she reported that although still somewhat tired from recovery, she no longer felt pain or discomfort and could breathe easily. “I’m still tired, but I feel fine. I haven’t had pain or anything that bothers me. I’m very grateful to the surgeons and the entire team who cared for me,” she said.

Although she knows she is still recovering, Shirley is convinced she has “come back to life.” She now dreams of resuming her daily activities: walking without having to stop, working alongside her family at the marina in Tortola, caring for her animals, and enjoying the simple walks that once were impossible.

Regional Context: An Urgency That Crosses Borders

Shirley’s case is not unique. In Latin America and the Caribbean, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability. According to the Pan American Health Organization, in 2019 they caused around 2 million deaths in the region—nearly one third of all registered deaths.

Although mortality rates have declined in some countries over the past two decades, the burden remains immense and uneven. While nations such as Peru report rates near 73 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, others, like Haiti, exceed 400 per 100,000. This disparity underscores the urgent need for centers capable of offering high-complexity cardiac surgery to patients who, in many local settings, lack access to advanced cardiovascular care.

In this context, Shirley’s experience shows how patients from the Caribbean can find in Colombia a safe and effective option for procedures not readily available in their countries of origin. Cases like hers demonstrate how cooperation between Caribbean physicians and specialized centers in Colombia opens access to advanced alternatives with real impact on survival and quality of life.

Beyond the Clinical

Shirley’s testimony captures her journey: “I didn’t know what to expect. It was better than I imagined.” Her recovery confirms that advanced age does not have to be a barrier when patients are comprehensively evaluated and state-of-the-art surgical techniques are applied.

Her experience is also an example of how HIC, with the constant support of its International Office, accompanies patients and families at every stage—from travel coordination and hospital admission to surgery and the return home. For those unable to find solutions in their own countries, her case demonstrates that accessing safe, high-quality, and humanized care in Colombia is a real alternative.

Today, Shirley will return to her home in the Virgin Islands with a heart functioning well, pain-free and with new prospects for life. She expresses her gratitude and amazement: “I trusted when the cardiologist in Tortola told me to come, and then another cardiologist from Guyana said the same: that I should go to Colombia, that it was the best, on par with the U.S. I trusted them—and it has been a wonderful experience. I would like to come back on vacation and see more, beyond the hospital.”

Her story reflects the tangible impact of medical preparation, surgical innovation, and international support—becoming a beacon of hope for those facing heart disease anywhere in the world.