Edwards Lifesciences Launches Groundbreaking Transcatheter Heart Valve Technology in Thailand New innovation marks a major step toward reducing Thailand’s healthcare burden as 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable.1,2

Bangkok, Thailand – October 2, 2025 – Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW), the global leader in structural heart disease innovation, today announced the launch of its breakthrough next-generation transcatheter heart valve technology at the prestigious 26th-27th September Mahidol TAVI Symposium at Pullman Bangkok King Power. This launch aims to help alleviate Thailand’s escalating valvular heart disease burden—a key driver of cardiovascular deaths globally. 

The launch arrives at a pivotal moment, as statistics from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (2023)2 reveal that over 250,000 Thai citizens are currently living with cardiovascular disease. Of particular concern is aortic valve disease, which accounts for approximately 40,000 deaths annually2 and disproportionately affects Thailand’s aging population—especially those aged 65 and older2. In this population, progressive calcification of the aortic valve leads to thickening, stiffening, and impaired valve function. Aortic stenosis—the most common form of valvular heart disease—is a degenerative condition strongly associated with aging. As the valve becomes increasingly calcified, blood flow from the heart is significantly restricted. Once symptoms appear, the prognosis worsens rapidly: without timely treatment, approximately 10% of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis may die within five weeks3. This alarming statistic highlights the critical importance of early detection and prompt intervention.

Edwards' next-generation balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve incorporates breakthrough proprietary calcification-resistant tissue technology that helps prevent calcium buildup on the valve leaflets, which is a primary cause of structural valve deterioration and the need for reintervention4. The valve also features dry tissue storage for simplified hospital workflows, and an enhanced outer sealing design to improve long term durability. 

Outstanding Clinical Outcomes

The tissue technology incorporated into this platform is the same as that used in Edwards’ leading surgical aortic valve. Recent findings from the 8-year COMMENCE Study demonstrated promising outcomes, including a 99.3% freedom from structural valve deterioration, clinically stable hemodynamic gradients, and a 97% freedom from reoperation5.

Building on this foundation, Edwards Lifesciences' next-generation transcatheter heart valve technology has demonstrated exceptional clinical outcomes across diverse patient populations. Real-world data from over 9,000 propensity-matched patients in the United States National STS/ACC TVT Registry showed patients receiving the valve experienced outstanding one-year outcomes with low mortality rate, low reintervention rate, and no paravalvular leak in 84.4% of cases6. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattawut Wongpraparut, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, highlighted its clinical advantages for Thai healthcare providers. "Durability is widely recognized as a critical element in valve therapy, and this technology’s innovative design aims to address calcification—a major contributor to valve failure—with greater effectiveness. Thai patients and the Thai healthcare system will benefit from bringing these world-class treatment capabilities to Thailand further supporting our efforts to reduce the devastating impact of aortic stenosis which can lead to heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest and death."

Dr. Mann Chandavimol, Structural Heart Intervention at The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, emphasized the significance of this technology for Thai patients. "The launch of this next-generation transcatheter heart valve represents a transformative advancement for Thailand's cardiovascular care landscape. Given the alarming global statistics showing cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death worldwide and affecting over 250,000 Thais, this technology offers hope for patients experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, ankle swelling, and irregular heartbeat. The enhanced durability and proven clinical outcomes enable us to treat not only elderly patients but also younger individuals with severe aortic stenosis, providing them with treatment options that combine immediate safety with exceptional long-term performance. Early detection is crucial, and this technology represents a significant advancement in our treatment capabilities."

Scott Graham, THV Business Unit Head, APAC at Edwards Lifesciences, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes. "This latest generation of transcatheter heart valve is the result of nearly two decades of research and development and reflects Edwards’ continued dedication to delivering patient-centric solutions. Recent data underscores its value in the lifetime management of valve disease for patients. This latest transcatheter heart valve leverages this advancement to improve quality of life, support sustainable long-term outcomes, and enable future treatment possibilities."

Parameswaran Nair, Country Leader of Greater India and Southeast Asia at Edwards Lifesciences, connected the launch to Thailand's broader healthcare objectives. "Thailand’s proactive stance on cardiovascular disease, including recent public health alerts on aortic stenosis, reflects its strong commitment to saving lives amid a global crisis. We’re proud to support these efforts by introducing this advanced platform to Thai patients and clinicians. With over 65 years of innovation, Edwards Lifesciences remains dedicated to transforming patient outcomes. This launch strengthens our support for Thailand’s healthcare excellence and ensures access to leading cardiac therapies as the population ages.”

As Thailand continues addressing its cardiovascular disease burden through both prevention and treatment strategies, Edwards Lifesciences remains committed to collaborating with leading clinicians and healthcare institutions to expand access to life-saving therapies. The company's focus on innovation, clinical evidence, and partnership with healthcare professionals ensures Thai patients can live longer, healthier, and more active lives while supporting the government's goal of reducing cardiovascular deaths through advanced treatment options in the face of a global epidemic claiming over 19 million lives annually7.

About Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences is the leading global structural heart innovation company, driven by a passion to improve patient lives. Through breakthrough technologies, world-class evidence, and partnerships with clinicians and healthcare stakeholders, our employees are inspired by our patient-focused culture to deliver life-changing innovations to those who need them most. 

Reference:

1 https://world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/prevention/

2 https://www.ddc.moph.go.th/odpc7/news.php?news=46462&deptcode=odpc7 

3 Malaisrie SC, McDonald E, Kruse J, et al. Mortality while waiting for aortic valve replacement. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2014;98(5):1564-1571. 

4 Beaver T, Bavaria JE, Griffith B, et al. Seven-year outcomes following aortic valve replacement with a novel tissue bioprosthesis. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2024;168(3):781–791

5 Kaneko T, Johnston D, Bavaria JE, et al. Propensity-matched 8-year Outcomes Following Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement with Novel Calcification-resistant Versus Contemporary Tissue Bioprostheses. Presented at the Heart Valve Society Annual Scientific Meeting, April 2025.

6 Kini AS, Tang GHL, Yaryura R, Petrossian G, Roberts DK, Rahman A, et al. 1-year real-world outcomes of TAVR with the fifth-generation balloon-expandable valve in the United States. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2025;18(6):655–666

7 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)