KUALA LUMPUR: Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has become the first hospital in Malaysia to clinically utilise the PASCAL Precision transcatheter valve repair system for patients with mitral regurgitation.
The milestone marked an important advancement in structural heart care in Malaysia by expanding treatment options for patients with clinically significant mitral regurgitation who remain symptomatic despite medical therapy.
According to its statement on Friday (May 15), mitral regurgitation occurs when the valve does not close properly, which can lead to breathlessness, fatigue, and worsening heart failure if left untreated.
IJN said the new system expands treatment options for patients who remain symptomatic despite medication and may not be suitable for conventional surgery, while complementing existing transcatheter repair technologies by enabling heart teams to tailor treatment according to individual valve anatomy and clinical needs.
IJN head of Cardiology, senior consultant cardiologist and clinical lead for Structural Intervention in Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Datuk Seri Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi said the technology provides the heart team with an additional option to treat mitral regurgitation through a less invasive approach while supporting precise and effective valve repair.
"As the first centre in Malaysia to clinically utilise the PASCAL Precision system, IJN continues to advance access to innovative structural heart therapies for patients who may not be suitable candidates for conventional surgery," he said.
Meanwhile, IJN chief executive officer Prof Datuk Seri Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said the development reinforces IJN's position as a national cardiovascular centre focused on advanced therapies and innovation.
"The availability of the PASCAL Precision system further strengthens IJN's structural heart programme and supports a more individualised, anatomy-driven approach to transcatheter mitral valve repair in Malaysia," he said.
IJN added that clinical studies have shown the system can effectively reduce mitral valve leakage, thereby improving heart function and enhancing the quality of life of selected patients following treatment. - Bernama
