Edwards Lifesciences Celebrates 25 Years in Thailand, Expanding Heart Valve Access

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW), a global leader in structural heart disease innovations, marked its 25th year of operations in Thailand, emphasizing its sustained dedication to improving heart valve care. The company has partnered with healthcare professionals, hospitals, government bodies, allies, and patient communities since its inception in Thailand in 2000, aiming to broaden treatment choices, strengthen clinical expertise, and elevate patient results. It affirmed its ongoing support for access to innovation, medical education, and the advancement of Thailand’s healthcare infrastructure. The 25‑year milestone event, “One Edwards Thailand,” was held in September 2025 at the Edwards Lifesciences Thailand office in Silom Complex, Bangkok, with honors given to the US Embassy’s commercial counselor, the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM), and longtime business allies such as DKSH’s healthcare unit and the president of the Thai Medical Technology Industry Association (THAIMED), together with patients and stakeholders sharing their experiences.

Mr. Aaron Rangel, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for the Japan and Asia Pacific region at Edwards Lifesciences, opened the ceremony, saying: “Twenty‑five years is a significant milestone because Edwards Thailand is one of the longest‑operating entities in the region, with its people and partnerships at the heart of its success. We have worked side‑by‑side with leading Thai hospitals and medical staff to enhance patient care, expand treatment capacity, and build a stronger health network. As Thailand continues to need more innovation and better access to care, Edwards will remain a strong partner in investment, education and training, and technology promotion, grounded in trust, communication, and collaboration for patients’ lives.”

Health challenges and valve‑treatment innovation Cardiovascular disease remains a major global health challenge; the World Heart Federation reports it is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 20.5 million lives each year. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study, incidence and prevalence among people aged 15‑39 are rising globally, showing that heart disease is not limited to older adults.

Heart valve disease occurs when the valve narrows, restricting blood flow, or fails to close properly, causing blood to leak backward. Causes include age‑related wear, congenital defects, rheumatic fever, and infection. With around 12 million elderly people in Thailand, raising awareness of warning signs, improving diagnosis, and increasing access to innovative medical treatments are crucial for enhancing patients’ quality of life.

25 years of innovation and collaboration Edwards’ innovation journey began with the development of the world’s first artificial heart valves and, over the past 25 years in Thailand, treatment options have evolved from surgical valves for open‑chest procedures to minimally invasive catheter‑based therapies that reduce bodily trauma, giving physicians more choices to consider.