KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 — The Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) Cardiology unit achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing its 50th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) case recently.

The procedure has been pivotal in treating patients with severe aortic stenosis who may not be able to undergo surgery.

CVSKL said that the first TAVI procedure was successfully performed at the institution in 2019.

"The TAVI procedure is a highly complex, minimally invasive procedure indicated for individuals with severe aortic stenosis where surgery may not be suitable, especially in the older population.

"Aortic stenosis occurs when the valve between the left ventricle and aorta does not open completely due to calcification, making it difficult for blood to flow to the rest of the body,” it said in a statement today.

Established in 2020, the Structural Heart Centre of Excellence programme in CVSKL functions to diagnose and treat structural heart conditions that affect the heart’s valves, walls, chambers, and muscles of the heart.

It said that the group of conditions exists from birth or is caused by ageing.

CVSKL said that heart valve disease is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in the world.

"Its degenerative pathology is attributed to the ageing process, where surgery may not be suitable for older patients,” it added.

Consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Ali, who is renowned for his pioneering work on the TAVI procedure, said that the "heart team” is thrilled to cross the significant milestone and credited the entire team for this achievement.

"The TAVI procedure has been a game-changer in the treatment of severe aortic stenosis, providing options to patients who are not suitable to undergo open surgery.

"The outstanding teamwork here between my colleagues and the entire cathlab team ensures that all complex cases are well coordinated to ensure better outcomes and quality of care,” Dr Rosli, who is one of only two proctors in Malaysia, said in a statement.

Also working with Dr Rosli in the two-hour long procedure to success were consultant cardiologists Datuk Dr Tamil Selvan Muthusamy and Dr Choo Gim Hooi as second and third operators respectively.

"CVSKL’s achievement of this milestone demonstrates its commitment to providing patients with the most advanced and innovative treatments available.

"The hospital will continue to play a vital role in the advancement of heart healthcare in Malaysia and beyond,” the hospital said.

CVSKL is an integrated cardiac and vascular hospital specialising in comprehensive modern care for patients with cardiac and vascular diseases.

Comprising 60 beds and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the CVSKL building houses an all-encompassing range of cardiology, cardiothoracic, and vascular diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive services.