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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Upper-extremity Approach for Secondary Access in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Published on: August 8, 2025
Percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement: first transfemoral implant in Asia
1Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre, 17 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore. paul.chiam.t.l@nhc.com.sg
Insights
Percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation offers a viable alternative for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are poor surgical candidates. This first-in-Asia procedure demonstrated sustained clinical improvement and positive hemodynamic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the standard treatment for severe aortic stenosis (AS).
- Many patients with AS are inoperable or at high risk for traditional open-heart surgery.
- Percutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a less invasive alternative.
Observation:
- The first percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in Asia was successfully performed via the transfemoral route.
- A 77-year-old male patient with symptomatic severe AS and high surgical risk was treated.
Findings:
- The patient experienced sustained clinical improvement post-procedure.
- Satisfactory hemodynamic results were observed at the 30-day follow-up.
Implications:
- This marks a significant advancement in cardiovascular interventions in Asia.
- TAVI provides a crucial treatment option for high-risk AS patients, expanding access to care.
- Further research and adoption of TAVI in Asia are anticipated.
Abstract:
Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the standard of care for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS), providing relief of symptoms and prolonging survival. However, many patients are either denied or not offered surgery due to high surgical risk or non-operability for open AVR. The technology of percutaneous aortic valve implantation emerged in 2002, and has since evolved rapidly with satisfactory results. Currently, almost all the procedures are performed predominantly in Europe and North America. The first-in-Asia percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transfemoral route is described. A 77-year-old man with symptomatic severe AS and at high surgical risk was successfully treated, with sustained clinical improvement and satisfactory haemodynamic results at 30-day follow-up.