Revolutionary Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Treatment Launched in Singapore

In February 2025, the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) introduced a groundbreaking minimally invasive treatment for patients suffering from leaky heart valves, marking a significant advancement in cardiac care. This innovative procedure, known as the Pascal transcatheter valve repair, aims to enhance the quality of life for elderly patients who are not suitable candidates for traditional open-heart surgery.

The inaugural patient, 77-year-old Madam Tay Sioh Lian, experienced severe symptoms of mitral regurgitation, a condition characterized by the improper closure of the heart's mitral valve, leading to backward flow of blood. After being diagnosed in July 2024, traditional surgical options were deemed too risky due to her existing medical conditions, including hypertension and dyslipidaemia.

Mitral regurgitation affects approximately 3% of individuals over 70 years of age globally, with its prevalence escalating with age. Traditional treatments often involve open-heart surgery, which can be particularly taxing for older patients. As Assistant Professor Wong Ningyan, a consultant with NHCS's cardiology department, stated, "Open-heart surgery remains the best option for treating leaky heart valves as it has a more established track record. However, the Pascal procedure provides an alternative for those unable to undergo traditional surgery."

The Pascal device, developed by Edwards Lifesciences, resembles a small clip and is inserted through a catheter via an incision in the leg, allowing for precise placement on the leaky valve. This method reduces recovery time significantly, with patients typically able to return home within days, contrasting starkly with the extended recuperation period associated with open-heart surgery.

“By expanding our treatment options, we can now offer more personalized care appropriate for each patient’s unique health needs,” remarked Yeo Khung Keong, CEO of NHCS. Since its introduction, five patients aged 70 and above have benefited from this innovative treatment, showcasing the transformative potential of the Pascal procedure.

The procedure not only alleviates symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness but also provides a renewed sense of normalcy for patients who previously faced limited options. Madam Tay recounted her experience post-surgery, stating, "The day after the procedure, I was already back home and doing my usual activities like bathing and walking, and after a week, I could do some light household chores."

The advancement of the Pascal transcatheter valve repair aligns with a broader trend in cardiac care towards less invasive interventions that prioritize patient safety and recovery. NHCS has also introduced other minimally invasive options, including transcatheter aortic valve implantation and Mitraclip treatment, further underscoring its commitment to enhancing cardiovascular health among the aging population.

As the medical community continues to evolve, the introduction of the Pascal procedure exemplifies a significant leap toward improving outcomes for patients with high surgical risk, thereby potentially changing the landscape of cardiac care in Singapore and beyond. Future projections suggest that as awareness and technology progress, more patients will gain access to these advanced treatment options, transforming how heart conditions are managed in older demographics.