Expertise & Experience

Key Statistics

The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) set up the heart transplant programme in 1990.

Till date, over 100 heart transplants have been carried out, giving recipients a new lease of life.

The NHCS is the only healthcare institution in Singapore that carries out heart transplantations.

Key Milestones, Research & Innovation

1990 – First heart transplant in Singapore

2001 – Introduction of mechanical circulatory support as bridge‑to‑transplant

2009 – First HeartMate II™ implantation

2012 – First HeartWare HVAD™

2015 – First HeartMate 3™ LVAD

2022 – Southeast Asia’s youngest LVAD implantation (13‑year‑old)

2024 – First HeartMate 3™ BiVAD implantation

Programme marks 35 years of transplantation in 2025

NHCS has driven advancements in mechanical circulatory support, minimally invasive LVAD implantation, and innovative heart‑failure therapies.

NHCS continues to expand technological capabilities, including percutaneous stenting of LVAD outflow graft blockages (2025).

Restoring Life with LVAD Therapy

When the heart becomes so weak that a person can no longer carry out everyday activities, an artificial heart pump can help take over some of the heart’s work.

At our centre, we run a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) programme. This treatment does more than just help patients live longer — it helps them regain many aspects of a normal, active life.

While waiting for a heart transplant, LVAD support:

• Helps patients live longer
• Improves quality of life
• Enables return to daily activities
• Supports independence at home
• Allows many patients to continue working

For older patients who are not suitable for a heart transplant, the LVAD can also be used as a long-term treatment to improve both survival and quality of life.

Our Experience:

• Estimated 10 LVAD implants performed each year
• 165 total implants since 2009
• Established durable LVAD programme