PHKL Achieves Milestone with New TAVI Procedure

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) has successfully completed the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure, marking a significant medical milestone. According to PHKL’s press statement, the procedure, performed by Senior Consultant Cardiologist Dr Yee Kok Meng, treated severe aortic stenosis in two patients: an 83-year-old man from Ipoh and a 70-year-old man with critical, calcified aortic stenosis. The latter, recently recovering from a stroke, was able to avoid the risks of major open-heart surgery. Both patients were discharged within 48 hours post-procedure.

PHKL underscores the importance of early detection and preventive measures for heart health. Their Heart Screening Package includes various assessments such as stress tests, echocardiograms, and cardiac CT heart scans, tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.

TAVI, a minimally invasive method conducted through a small incision in the groin, is suitable for high-risk surgical patients and uses a catheter to implant a new valve under x-ray guidance.

According to Dr. Yee, severely ill heart patients traditionally required open-heart surgery to replace damaged valves, a high-risk procedure, especially for the elderly or those with multiple comorbidities. He stated that TAVI now offers a minimally invasive and safer alternative for these patients. The new procedure also enables patients to recover quickly and resume normal activities.

Tags: Dr Yee Kok Meng, heart health, MJN enews, screening

Category: MJN enews