Adventist Hospital in Malaysia Achieves Breakthrough in Cardiac Care

Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) continues to set new benchmarks in health care by successfully completing its first self-expanding aortic heart valve implantation using the minimally invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI) technique. This groundbreaking procedure, performed on September 5, marks a milestone in cardiac care, further solidifying PAH’s role as a leading institution for advanced medical treatments, hospital leaders said.

The procedure was led by Lee Kuo Ting, a visiting cardiologist specializing in structural heart care and internal medicine, who implanted the Evolut PRO+ valve. An experienced team behind him included Choo Gim Hooi from Cardio Vascular Sentral (CVS), Kuala Lumpur, whose expert guidance was crucial in ensuring the success of the challenging procedure, professionals who participated in the procedure said. The Operating Theater team, comprising Simon Yeoh, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, and Teoh Swee Heap, consultant anaesthesiologist, also played a vital role in providing support throughout the surgery.

“This achievement not only underscores the hospital’s commitment to excellence but also aligns with the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to share the love of Jesus through compassionate health care,” hospital leaders said. PAH, deeply rooted in Adventist principles, strives to exemplify the church’s health message, which Adventists have long regarded as the “right arm” of the gospel. By promoting wholistic wellness and preventive care, the hospital remains focused on extending Christ’s healing ministry to its patients, leaders explained.

“At Penang Adventist Hospital, we believe in more than just treating illnesses — we aim to care for the whole person,” PAH CEO Albin Phua said. “Rooted in the Adventist health message and grounded in our mission to reflect Christ’s love and healing ministry, we combine medical excellence with compassionate spiritual and emotional support. Through our chaplaincy services, healthy lifestyle education, compassionate care, and community involvement, the hospital creates an integrated supportive space where patients can find healing and hope all under one roof.”

The minimally invasive TAVR/TAVI technique offers significant benefits, particularly for patients who may not be suitable for traditional open-heart surgery. This innovative procedure, coupled with the hospital’s faith-based approach to health, reflects PAH’s ongoing dedication to bringing cutting-edge medical care to the community while also sharing the hope and love of Jesus.

“Penang Adventist Hospital balances the integration of advanced medical technology with a compassionate, patient-centric approach,” Phua explained. “While we leverage the latest medical advancements to ensure optimal physical health outcomes, we also prioritize the wholistic needs of patients by providing comprehensive care that addresses both physical and non-physical aspects of health.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.