Key Milestones

The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) is dedicated to providing optimal care and outcomes through continuous advancement in patient care, education and training, and research.

Read our NHCS anniversary books:

10th Anniversary Book

20th Anniversary Book

Learn more about our annual key milestones:

2023

NHCS partners with Medera’s Novoheart to create the world’s first Asian patient-specific miniature human heart model with heart failure, known as “Human Heart-in-a-Jar”. The collaboration will focus on creating the first Asian patient-specific mini-heart models capable of reproducing key features seen in patients that have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and pave the way for precision medicine in heart failure.
NHCS launches novel research study, INDEPENDENCY Study, to tackle frailty in older adults to delay onset of cardiovascular disease. The study received a $4.7 million grant funding to test real-world solutions across various healthcare settings to bring about evidence-based strategies to improve frailty and heart health of seniors. A key novelty of the study is a specially curated meal plan and specialised exercise programme, for suitable cardiac frail patients.
SingHealth announced a key leadership change at NHCS, with Professor Yeo Khung Keong succeeding the role of CEO, from Professor Terrance Chua.
NHCS celebrated its 25th anniversary in conjunction with its fourth NHCS Heart To Heart Gala, raising S$1.2 million for needy patients and cardiac health advancement.
NHCS performed the implantation of the HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in a 14-year-old boy, the youngest person in Singapore with advanced heart failure. NHCS’ comprehensive heart failure programme which provides end-to-end services, has made the care of patients with generational heart disease possible.
Scientists at NHCS and Duke-NUS Medical School, together with colleagues in Singapore, China and the USA devised a way to measure the length of a telomere rapidly and precisely. The discovery marks an important advance in the field of ageing research, especially in the understanding of clinical diseases associated with ageing such as cardiovascular disease. The study was published in Nature Communications.
In a world first, scientists at NHCS, Duke-NUS Medical School, and colleagues in Germany discovered a potential regenerative therapy by blocking a damaging and scar-regulating protein called interleukin-11 (IL-11), to restore impaired kidney function. The study was published in Nature Communications.

2022

In two studies looking at enhancing clinical methods in diagnosing coronary artery disease in the Asian population, NHCS researchers (i) developed a patented novel analytical method of measuring non-invasive fractional flow reserve from patients’ computerised tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) images for the local community, thereby enhancing detection of ischaemic coronary lesions via a non-invasive method, (ii) discovered and incorporated an improved pre-test probability model tailored to the mixed Asian population to enhance the prediction of obstructive coronary artery disease.
An international team of researchers - including Professor Stuart Cook, Tanoto Foundation Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Duke-NUS Medical School and NHCS - won £30m (approximately S$50m) to develop an injectable cure for genetic heart conditions that kill young people in the prime of their lives, as part of the British Heart Foundation (BHF)’s Big Beat Challenge. The global award is the largest in the charity’s 60-year history and presents a “once in a generation opportunity” to provide hope for families struck by these killer diseases.
First-of-its-kind study by NHCS researchers shows adverse association between heart muscle scarring (also known as myocardial fibrosis) and patients with hypertension, detected non-invasively using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Myocardial fibrosis is an important prognostic marker in the development of adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart failure and death.
NHCS introduces two new minimally invasive procedures – TricValve^® and TriClip^TM - bringing a comprehensive suite of treatment options, ranging from medication therapies, minimally invasive (percutaneous or transcatheter) procedures, and surgical treatments to repair or replace the damaged valve, to patients with severe tricuspid valve problems. NHCS is the first local institution to offer TricValve® and also the first to perform the TriClipTM successfully in Southeast Asia.
NHCS, together with The Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR) Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and Bioinformatics Institute (BII), National University of Singapore (NUS), and pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, signed an agreement to study the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease progression - especially the condition called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The project leverages large and well-phenotyped heart failure patient cohorts from the Asian neTwork for Translational Research and Cardiovascular Trials (ATTRaCT), a translational cardiovascular research programme previously led by Prof Carolyn Lam.
Studies by a team of researchers from NHCS established that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has strong association with coronary atherosclerosis, even in healthy individuals.
NHCS establishes the first AI-driven research laboratory, Cardiovascular Systems Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (CVS.AI), for multi-modal and multi-disease cardiac imaging in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The Lab uses novel AI technology to study various aspects of heart disease using different imaging methods, generating a great level of detail to provide clinicians with in-depth insights of the patients’ condition, enhancing prediction and detection of heart disease.

2021

A study led by NHCS discovered a link between the weakening of skeletal muscle function (sarcopenia) and the heart, among older adults within the community population. The significant finding could help in early identification of elderly who are at risk of heart disease and provide insights on geriatric care management for Singapore’s ageing population.
A team of researchers from NHCS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore (NP), invented a tool powered by AI that could speed up the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. The innovation uses electrocardiograms to diagnose coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure to an accuracy of more than 98.5 per cent.
A global report, the Lancet Commission, urged to reduce the burden of heart disease in women by outlining 10 significant recommendations to improve health outcomes for millions of women by 2030. The Commission is curated by 17 leading expert ambassadors from 11 countries, including Prof Carolyn Lam, the sole representative from Asia.
A multinational trial, AFFIRM-AHF, led by researchers from NHCS and international partners has shown that iron therapy significantly reduces re-hospitalisation and provides better health outcomes in patients with heart failure. Research findings have translated into clinical practice in NHCS, as part of the overall treatment strategy for patients with heart failure, for improved patient care.

2020

Boehringer Ingelheim partners with Enleofen in a signature biotech deal to research and develop drug therapies, which will help reverse inflammation and fibrosis in diseased organs. Enleofen is a spinout company from NHCS and Duke-NUS Medical School, under the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre.
NHCS launched telemedicine initiatives, including telephone and video consultations, for a wide range of clinical care and services. The telemedicine services are offered to patients with stable conditions, and provides remote care with greater convenience to patients and their caregivers.
Researchers from NHCS identified a unique lean diabetic phenotype among Asian patients with heart failure. NHCS researchers together with Asia-wide investigators launched the Asian Diabetes Outcome Prevention Trial (ADOPT), a multinational clinical trial, to help prevent heart diseases in high-risk patients with diabetes.
Bayer and NHCS entered into a five-year collaboration agreement to set up a “Center of Excellence for Explorative Cardiovascular Studies”, with the aim of boosting patient-centricity in research and development (R&D) and improving treatment outcomes in cardiovascular disease management.

2019

Professor Koh Tian Hai was conferred as an Emeritus Consultant, a first for NHCS.
Singapore LIVE (SingLIVE) was successfully concluded from 17 to 18 January 2019. To further strengthen NHCS involvement in this flagship medical event which first began in 1989, SingLIVE was independently organised from 2019, after a decade of joint organisation with Asia PCR.
One of NHCS pioneer heart surgeons, Associate Professor Chua Yeow Leng, won the National Outstanding Clinician Award 2019, for his advancement of cardiothoracic surgery standards in NHCS, Singapore and the region, and more.
Two newly awarded Clinician Scientists in NHCS – Assistant Professor Calvin Chin and Assistant Professor Angela Koh, who were awarded in the Investigator Category. Organised by National Medical Research Council (NMRC), the prestigious Clinician Scientist award is presented to top researchers who carry out translational and clinical research in Singapore, and help transform patient care with their research.

2018

NHCS celebrates its 20th anniversary as a leader in providing care for its patients. As part of the celebrations, a group of NHCS staff visited the houses of our needy patients to clean and spruce up their homes, over and above the medical care which were provided. In addition, NHCS held its first ever public walk-and-race event on 29 July to promote heart-healthy living among Singaporeans.
Researchers from NHCS found that wearable sensors can enhance biomedical research and potentially predict cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
NHCS and Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) collaborated to set up NHCS Cardiology @ SKH, providing cardiac services and expertise at its outpatient clinic and dedicated wards for north-east residents.
Professor Stuart Cook, Tanoto Foundation Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Director of National Heart Research Institute Singapore, received the President’s Technology Award 2018 for his research in human genetics.
NHCS held its third Heart to Heart Gala on 5 October, raising more than S$2 million.
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) programme available in NHCS, providing a full spectrum of care including diagnostic investigations, customised treatment options and follow-up care and rehabilitation.

2017

Collaboration with SingHealth Polyclinics on front-loading and open access protocol that helps patients cut one visit and get a faster diagnosis
NHCS re-accredited successfully by JCI
NHCS began using the Bike CMR, which combines the Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan with a stationery exercise bike, to differentiate normal cardiac response to exercise from early heart muscle disease.
A study led by Professor Carolyn Lam found that the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) slashes sudden cardiac death by 66 per cent
NHCS developed the Remodelling Index, which found that patients with the same blood pressure reading may be at different risk of developing heart failure or other cardiac complications
Major breakthrough discovery by NHCS researchers for interleukin 11 (IL11), a critical protein that causes fibrotic diseases and organ damage, allowing for ongoing treatment development

2016

NHCS jointly developed cardiac gene sequencing panel with Imperial College London to test 174 genes in 17 inherited cardiac conditions
Number of people who benefited from the Heart to Heart foundation more than doubled in four years
Opening of Women’s Heart Clinic
NHCS led the multinational study which discovered that gene mutations in Titin affect the heart function in Asians' healthy individuals

2015

NHCS performed Asia's first HeartMate 3 implantation
American College of Cardiology partnered NHCS to create world's first global diabetes registry
Inaugural NHCS Heart to Heart Gala 2015 raised more than $760,000 for financially needy heart patients and research in cardiovascular medicine
Official opening of SAF Cardiac Fitness Centre at NHCS

2014

Official opening of the NHCS new building by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
NHCS received the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) Stage 6 award
Official launch of the National Heart Research Institute Singapore by President Tony Tan
NHCS performed Singapore's first Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator procedure to prevent Sudden Cardiac Death
NHCS began operating from its new 12-storey building at 5 Hospital Drive

2013

NHCS successfully and completely reversed the effects of a gene mutation in long QT syndrome 2 in patient-specific heart cells, a world's first
NHCS held the Topping Out Ceremony for its new building

2012

NHCS implanted Singapore's first third generation heart pump, the HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD), for advanced heart failure patients
NHCS set up the Cardiovascular Academic Clinical Programme
NHCS staff, Professor Stuart Alexander Cook, received the prestigious STaR Investigator Award from the National Medical Research Council
NHCS unveiled age-friendly features at new building to better serve elderly patients
NHCS developed world's first arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) human heart cell model to study inherited heart muscle disease associated with Sudden Cardiac Death
NHCS won the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award for integrating eco-friendly features into its upcoming building
NHCS performed Asia's first successful transapical transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantation
National Cardiovascular Homograft Bank is the first tissue bank outside of North America to achieve the American Association of Tissue Bank (AATB) Accreditation

2011

NHCS successfully created beating heart cells from patient's skin
NHCS performed Asia's first MitraClip procedure for patients with heart valve problems
NHCS saved 14-year-old boy with heart-assist device, the youngest case in Asia
NHCS introduced Asia's first Aquaphereis for heart failure patients with fluid overload
NHCS re-accredited successfully by JCI

2010

First robotic-assisted lobectomy in Southeast Asia
EuroPCR partnered SingLIVE to launch inaugural AsiaPCR-SingLIVE

2009

NHCS performed Asia's first percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage using the Watchman device
First robotic hybrid operating theatre in Southeast Asia
NHCS introduced the magnetic navigation system for complex arrhythmias, a first in Southeast Asia
NHCS performed the first Heart Mate II implantation in Singapore
NHCS' live transmission to EuroPCR 2009, marking the start of the collaboration on AsiaPCR-SingaporeLIVE in 2010
NHCS performed Asia's first combined heart and liver transplant with Singapore General Hospital
NHCS performed Asia's first percutaneous aortic valve replacement
NHCS broke ground for new building

2008

NHCS established Singapore's first Homograft Bank
NHCS launched our 10th Anniversary Time Capsule
NHCS re-accredited successfully by JCI
Breakthrough in NHCS' Stem Cell Research
Launch of NHCS' 10th Anniversary Commemorative Book

2007

Reduced radiation dose for patients undergoing Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT)
Cardiac Image and Information Management System (CIIMS) established
First aorto-apical conduit done in Singapore
Setup of SCAN CVI@NHCS (SingHealth Centre for Advanced Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging @ National Heart Centre Singapore)

2006

Expansion of Research and Development facilities (RDU@SON)
First pulmonary vein isolation/Maze procedure using the EPICOR Cardiac Ablation system in Singapore and Asia
Record number of 16 patients supported on Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) Record number of six heart transplantations and one lung transplantation done since the revised Human Organ Transplant Act was implemented in July 2004
Robotic Assisted Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (RAMICS) Programme established
SingHealth Centre for Advanced Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging established as a collaboration between SGH Department of Diagnostic Radiology and NHCS

2005

Received the Business Continuity Management (BCM) certification
First heart hospital outside USA and in Asia to be accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI)
First robotic-assisted excision of mediastinal tumour on an 18-year-old male patient using da Vinci surgical system

2004

First MicroMed deBakey Left Ventricular Assist Device implantation
First local inter-hospital transfer of patient on Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO)
Participated in worldwide heart trial, known as the Surgical Treatments for IsChaemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial
First Singapore-based company's drug eluting stent 'Biolimus' implantation during the 13th Singapore LIVE Course
First percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion procedure in Singapore and Asia-Pacific during the 13th Singapore LIVE Course

2003

First Specialist Diploma in Cardiac Technology with Singapore Polytechnic in Singapore and Asia
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Programme (ACHD) established
First bipolar radiofrequency ablation in Asia
First elephant trunk aortic surgery in Singapore

2002

First tourist-in-transit to be implemented with a life-saving left and right heart assist device in Singapore. Also the first patient supported by such a device to be transported over 6,000 miles at a significantly high altitude back to his country
Heart care programme set up with SingHealth Polyclinics
First left ventricular reconstructive surgery performed
First heart failure programme established in Singapore
First percutaneous lead extraction in Singapore using the electrosurgical dissection shealth system
First left ventricular assist device explantation in Singapore and Southeast Asia
First biventricular assist device implantation in Singapore and Southeast Asia
A cumulative total of 15,000 cardiac surgeries performed since 1981
First drug eluting stent implantation in Singapore and Asia during the 11th Singapore LIVE Course

2001

National Heart Centre Singapore performed the first left ventricular assist device implantation in Singapore and Southeast Asia
First mechanical heart device programme established

2000

Jointly offered first Diploma in Biomedical Sciences (Cardiac Technology) offered in Singapore and Asia with Singapore Polytechnic
First coronary artery brachytherapy in Singapore and Southeast Asia
National Heart Centre Singapore became a member of Singapore Health Services, one of two public healthcare clusters
Did first lung transplant with Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore

1999

Performed first biventricular pacing (for symptomatic relief in patients with moderate to severe heart failure on maximum medical therapy) procedure
National Heart Centre Singapore became autonomous

1998

Singapore Heart Centre redesignated as National Heart Centre Singapore
First lung transplant programme set up

1995

First cardiac-dedicated nuclear imaging laboratory established

1994

Cardiac services at Singapore General Hospital were transferred to Singapore Heart Centre
Singapore Heart Centre (SHC) established at Mistri Wing, Singapore General Hospital

1992

First implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantion in Singapore

1991

First radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure in Singapore and ASEAN
Four state-of-the-art angiographic machines acquired for the Cardiovascular Laboratory
First non-invasive vascular laboratory established

1990

First heart transplant in Singapore

1989

First cardiac arrhythmia surgery in Singapore
First Live Demonstration in Basic and Advanced Techniques on Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (known as Singapore LIVE) organised
First transoesophageal echocardiography service set up