Lifetime Management of Heart Valve Disease
Dr. Edgar Tay

Patients with heart valve disease like aortic stenosis have to undertake invasive treatment (TAVI or surgery) to improve quality life. With better outcomes and longevity, repeat procedures may be needed. This talk explores the longer term issues and implications that need consideration prior to the very first procedure.

Lipoprotein(a): Ready for Prime Time?
Dr. Jason See

High levels of Lipoprotein(a) have been shown to increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke and aortic stenosis. What is it, should we screen and how do we manage it?

Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction: A Review of Recent Progress and Clinical Implications
Dr. William Kristanto

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a complex and often overlooked heart condition that affects the tiny blood vessels in the heart, which often goes undiagnosed, making it a challenging and under-researched area. Unlike traditional coronary artery disease, CMD involves abnormalities in these smaller vessels, leading to inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. 

This talk will delve into the key aspects of CMD, its impact on heart health, and how Medtech can play a significant role in addressing the challenges associated with it.

Left Ventricular Assist Devices in Advanced Heart Failure
Dr. Lim Chong Hee

Advanced heart failure (HF) occurs when patients with HF experience persistent severe symptoms that interfere with daily life despite maximum medical therapy. These patients are at high risk of other end organ damage and rapid progression to sudden death unless intervened with left ventricular assist devices or heart transplant. 

The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) has designed a classification for advanced heart failure which stratifies risks of dying from the condition into 7 profiles with profile 1 being the most severe with risk of death within hours and 7 being the least severe. Intervention with mechanical heart devices in the higher risk cases can prevent death and recipients lead normal healthy lives. 

Over the years, much progress has been made in technological advancements in left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). From the bulky pulsatile Heartmate XV pumps to the axial flow Heartmate 2 and present day centrifugal, magnetic levitated Heartmate 3 (HM3), survival of LVAD patients have improved. The Momentum 3 trial published recently show significant survival benefit of HM3 over HM2 in a head to head comparison. 

This lecture will discuss the progress of LVAD, the results of the latest Momentum 3 trial and the journey of a patient towards heart transplant after receiving the HM3. 

Panel Q&A
Moderated by Dr. Edgar Tay