Artificial Valves for Heart Patient

Sarawak Heart Foundation sponsored Transcatheter Bicaval Valves (TRICVALVE) for a heart patient in the Sarawak Heart Centre in October 2022. The valves cost RM100,000.

Wilson ak Nyarum, 55, from Serian who has severe tricuspid regurgitation (a leaking valve), suffers from ascites (swollen tummy due to fluid accumulation) and oedema (swollen legs). Medication did not help and his right heart was too weak for surgery. 

TRIVALVE is a new treatment that involves the introduction of artificial valves through the vein in the groin and implantation of these valves in the heart, without the need for open heart surgery. The new valves will take over the function of the patient’s leaking valve and prevent backflow of blood to the rest of the body.

The implant is the first ever done in a government hospital in the country.

Foundation Deputy Chairman YB Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian and Board Trustees Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Hajah Jamilah Jamilah Binti Haji Anu, Dato Anne Teng and Ms Pauline Kon visited Wilson on 13 December 2022.