Heart disease remains the second leading cause of death in Taiwan, with structural heart disease posing a particularly urgent challenge as the population ages. One in eight Taiwanese over the age of 75 is affected, and without timely surgical intervention, even patients with moderate disease can have a five-year mortality rate of up to 56%. Yet awareness and access to treatment are limited.
“People often associate heart disease with heart attacks and blockages, but fewer think about their heart valves,” says Ben Cheong, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Greater China at Edwards Lifesciences.
Cheong, who leads the company’s operations across the region and brings more than 20 years of global medical device experience, is optimistic about Taiwan’s readiness to embrace the next era of cardiovascular care.
With strong hospital infrastructure and highly skilled physicians, Taiwan is well-positioned to lead in delivering advanced treatments like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and newer interventions such as transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER).
“Taiwan’s integrated heart teams already deliver world-class care,” says Cheong. “But the system needs to evolve to accommodate earlier diagnosis and broader patient access.”
Today, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) reimburses TAVR primarily for older, high-risk patients. Yet global clinical studies show that even younger or lower-risk patients can benefit from this minimally invasive therapy.
“There is robust clinical data showing that early intervention leads to better outcomes and reduced long-term costs,” Cheong says. “But many of these patients are not covered under current reimbursement models, delaying treatment.”
To fill this gap, Edwards is actively engaging with policymakers and health agencies to explore more inclusive funding approaches. One promising model is the EU-funded EuroHeartPath initiative, which supports early community-based screening and diagnosis. “This kind of investment at the grassroots level could be transformative for Taiwan,” Cheong says.
While traditional open-heart surgery remains a gold standard, the patient journey is evolving. Minimally invasive procedures like TAVR and TEER offer significant benefits: smaller incisions, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and improved quality of life — particularly important amid global nursing shortages.
“Patients care deeply about how quickly they can recover and return to their lives,” says Cheong. “That’s where innovation comes in — not just in the devices themselves, but in how care is delivered.”
Edwards Lifesciences, the global leader in structural heart therapies, is investing heavily in this transformation. Beyond TAVR, the company is developing catheter-based therapies for mitral and tricuspid valve disease and advancing remote monitoring tools to support patients with heart failure.
“We see a future where structural interventions are seamlessly integrated with heart failure management,” says Cheong. “It’s about giving physicians the tools to intervene earlier and more precisely, improving both clinical outcomes and patient experience.”
But technology alone is not enough. A recent survey found that only 30% of Taiwanese adults are aware of structural heart disease — a figure Cheong hopes to change.
“We’re working across multiple fronts,” he says. “Through media and social media campaigns, partnerships with clinicians, and ongoing professional training, we aim to boost awareness and bring urgency to this issue.”
Edwards also champions public engagement efforts such as World Heart Day and localized campaigns that educate families, not just patients. “Awareness isn’t only for those with symptoms — it’s for their support networks too,” Cheong notes. “We need everyone to recognize the signs and understand that treatment options exist.”
Looking ahead, Cheong sees three pillars as critical to progress: faster access to innovation, improved reimbursement policies, and continued investment in clinician education.
“It’s on us to bring the latest technologies to Taiwan without delay,” he emphasizes. “And it’s on industry, government, and medical professionals to work together to ensure they’re accessible and supported.”
Edwards is currently working with Taiwan’s health authorities to secure reimbursement for valve-in-valve procedures, which provide life-saving second interventions for patients whose previously implantedvalves have worn out. “This is a very tangible step that will make a real difference for patients,” says Cheong.
Such initiatives reflect a broader commitment by Edwards Lifesciences to expand treatment options for structural heart disease, particularly in a rapidly aging society. “We believe in treating patients before their disease becomes debilitating. That means earlier diagnosis, better education, and broader reimbursement aligned with international guidelines.”
While the road ahead involves difficult tradeoffs for policymakers, Cheong is encouraged by the government’s receptiveness. “There’s momentum now,” he says. “We’ve seen promising developments in cancer and diabetes care. Structural heart disease should be next.”
