Another first for cardiac care at the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital in Fiji
The cardiac team at the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital in Fiji has successfully performed the first Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) guided coronary stenting procedure at the hospital’s recently opened Cardiac Catheterisation (Cath) Lab.
The landmark procedure was led by a team including Aspen Medical Consultant Cardiologist Dr Bharatvansh Bali. The procedure was completed last week without complications, and the patient was discharged the following day in a stable condition.
IVUS is an advanced imaging technology that allows doctors to see inside coronary blood vessels using ultrasound from within the artery itself. The procedure is akin to placing a tiny camera inside the blood vessel, allowing the cardiac team to accurately assess the degree and extent of narrowing and to tailor the treatment precisely. This significantly reduces the risk of future re-narrowing and improves long-term results for patients.
Dr Bali highlighted the significance of the procedure for healthcare in Fiji.
“This technology allows us to make better clinical decisions and deliver optimal care locally. It represents a major step forward in providing advanced interventional cardiology services for patients in Fiji.
“The introduction of IVUS-guided stenting at Lautoka Hospital marks an important milestone in cardiac care, offering patients access to high-end, evidence-based interventional procedures without the need to travel overseas. We remain committed to advancing specialist healthcare services in Fiji and improving outcomes for patients with complex heart disease,” said Dr Bali.
ENDS