Our Clinical Trials Centre has been helping people live longer and have a better quality of life since 1994, by offering new and emerging treatment options to patients with various illnesses and diseases. We engage across four hospitals – The Wesley Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital and St Stephen’s Hospital.
Each year, we see hundreds of people who would like to contribute to medical discoveries to help future patients, as well as improve their own quality of life. People like Eddie, who recently received an experimental artificial heart valve in a minimally invasive procedure as part of a trial.
Eddie was diagnosed with aortic stenosis in 2015 after a few years of living with Atrial Fibrillation. “Both of my parents had heart conditions, so the diagnosis wasn’t unexpected”, says Eddie.
Over the next few years Eddie’s condition continually deteriorated and when it became severe in 2023, Dr Anand his local cardiologist referred him to Dr Poon (featured above) at St. Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital. It was here that Eddie was recommended for the trial, undergoing the procedure a few short months later.
The trial tested the benefits of a transcatheter heart valve, an artificial heart valve for people with symptomatic, severe calcific aortic stenosis.
Since the procedure, Eddie has lost 25 kilograms, follows an exercise program at his retirement village’s gym, and feels healthier than ever.
Being part of this trial and receiving the artificial heart valve has drastically improved the quality of my life. I am extremely confident that the valve will continue to serve me for many years to come.
Eddie, Clinical Trials participant
“This kind of research is extremely important. Look at how much longer we’re living now compared to
100 years ago,” he said.
Six months have now gone by, and Eddie says he hasn’t felt this good in years which he contributes to his new artificial valve. Eddie will have his next follow-up in February 2025 and expects his good health to continue.
Find out more about the innovative clinical trials at WRI.
