The National Heart Institute (IJN) has become the first hospital in Malaysia to clinically utilise the PASCAL Precision transcatheter valve repair system, marking a key step forward in minimally invasive treatment for patients with mitral regurgitation.
The structural heart innovation is designed to repair, rather than replace, the mitral valve through a catheter-based procedure that helps reduce backward blood flow in the heart. 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. It is intended to complement existing transcatheter repair technologies by allowing heart teams to tailor treatment based on individual valve anatomy and clinical needs.
“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. This technology gives our heart team an additional option to treat mitral regurgitation through a less invasive approach, while supporting precise and effective valve repair,” said Dato’ Sri Dr. Azmee Mohd Ghazi, Head of Cardiology, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Lead for Structural Intervention in Mitral and Tricuspid Valve.
The institute added that clinical studies have shown the system can effectively reduce mitral valve leakage, improving heart function and quality of life in selected patients following treatment.
Chief Executive Officer Prof Dato’ Sri Dr. 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.
