The team of cardiologists behind this minimally invasive heart surgery was Datuk Dr Nor Izham Aziz, Dr Tay Mok Heang, Dr Timothy Watson and Dr Eng Ji Bah. They were assisted by Dr Paul Chiam, visiting Proctor from Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore.

An alternative to open heart aortic valve replacement, TAVI is a less invasive treatment for Aortic Stenosis, a common heart valve disease affecting older people.

Preparations for this milestone procedure began at PHAK as early as April 2019 to obtain the necessary approvals to bring in an international proctor. The multi-disciplinary team involved in the surgery also underwent intensive workshops and trainings to ensure the best possible clinical outcome for the patient.

To everyone’s delight, the four-hour procedure was a success. The 77-year-old male patient, who had previously undergone bypass surgery, is doing well and happy with his rapid post-procedure recovery.

We are proud to be one of the first few hospitals in the Southern Region of Malaysia to provide a minimally invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) service. This life saving technique, already recognised and adopted worldwide, provides a good option for patients whom the risks of open-heart surgery are extremely high.

- Tan Yew Aik, Chief Executive Officer, Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh