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. This milestone marks a significant advancement in structural heart care within the country by expanding treatment options for patients experiencing clinically significant mitral regurgitation who remain symptomatic despite medical therapy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, mitral regurgitation occurs when the valve does not close properly, leading to symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, and worsening heart failure if left untreated. IJN highlighted that the new system expands treatment options for these patients, particularly those who may not be suitable for conventional surgery. It complements existing transcatheter repair technologies by allowing heart teams to tailor treatments according to individual valve anatomy and clinical needs.
Datuk Seri Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi, IJN's head of Cardiology and senior consultant cardiologist, emphasized that the technology provides the heart team with an additional option to treat mitral regurgitation through a less invasive approach, 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.
IJN's chief executive officer, Prof Datuk Seri Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, stated that this development reinforces IJN's position as a national cardiovascular centre focused on advanced therapies and innovation. He noted that 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.
IJN added that clinical studies have demonstrated the system's capability to effectively reduce mitral valve leakage, improving heart function and enhancing the quality of life for selected patients following treatment.