Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) marked a significant milestone, having successfully completed 100 intricate heart procedures employing the innovative MitraClip and TriClip device to address Mitral and Tricuspid regurgitation. This positioned IJN as the fourth hospital in the region to reach this remarkable feat, underscoring the institution’s unwavering commitment to advancing cutting-edge cardiovascular care.
The 100th Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) procedure took place last Friday (Jan 19), orchestrated by a team of adept cardiologists led by IJN Clinical Director of Heart Failure and Heart Transplant, Dato’ Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi.
“This milestone speaks volumes about our team’s skill and dedication to improving outcomes for patients with Mitral and Tricuspid valve regurgitation,” remarked Dr Azmee. “Our expertise in this procedure has been honed by over a decade of experience, and we are immensely proud to have positively impacted the lives of 100 patients. This milestone reflects our drive to continue delivering exceptional cardiac treatments.”
IJN, having set a precedent by introducing the MitraClip procedure as the first in Malaysia in December 2011, continues to lead in the field. The pioneering case was conducted by renowned Malaysian Cardiologist Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Robaayah Zambahari, along with Senior Consultant Cardiologists Datuk Dr Mohd Nasir Muda and Datuk Dr Amin Ariff Nuruddin. Under Dr Amin Ariff’s mentorship, the programme has thrived.
Mitral/ Tricuspid regurgitation, a prevalent form of heart valve disease, occurs when the Mitral/ Tricuspid valve fails to close properly, leading to the backward flow of blood into the heart. Left untreated, the condition can result in progressive heart enlargement, ultimately leading to heart failure.
Traditionally, surgical intervention has been the conventional method to treat severe Mitral and Tricuspid regurgitation, involving repair or replacement of the faulty valve through open-heart surgery. However, this poses risks, especially for patients with comorbid conditions or at an advanced age.
The MitraClip and TriClip, a small device designed to narrow the Mitral/ Tricuspid valve opening, presents a less invasive alternative. Administered via a catheter through a small incision in the leg vein, the procedure typically takes two to three hours, allowing for quicker recovery times and mitigating the risks associated with traditional surgery.
As IJN celebrates this monumental accomplishment, the center remains steadfast in its mission to expand access to cutting-edge cardiac treatments while upholding its reputation for excellence and innovation in healthcare.
