A 46-year-old has become the first-ever patient to receive a life-saving cardiac stenting procedure at the Lautoka Hospital Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab).
Resident of Votualevu, Nadi, Vimlesh Kumar says he is thankful to the doctors involved in the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) stenting that has given him a new lease of life.
PCI stenting is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries in the heart.
The procedure was successfully led by Aspen Medical Specialist Physician/Cardiologist Dr Bharatvansh Bali, in collaboration with the MIOT team.
Dr Bali shares that the patient had a 99 percent blockage in the right coronary artery, which required immediate attention.
He emphasizes that just a small puncture in the wrist is made through which all the equipment such as catheters, angioplasty wires, and balloons is inserted.
He adds that after the stenting procedure, the equipment is removed and the patient can start walking around within a few hours, and they can even be discharged later the same day or the next morning after observation.
Dr Bali says a PCI is a minimally invasive procedure, providing a faster and safer recovery experience for patients.
Dr Bali described the successful completion of the first PCI as a historic occasion for Lautoka Hospital, one that signifies the hospital’s growing capacity and commitment to improving access to specialist medical care in Fiji.
He says they are already doing coronary angiograms on a regular basis, adding this first stenting procedure marks the beginning, and as the service grows, more patients will be able to receive timely treatment right here at home.
Meanwhile, Dr Bali urges the public to pay attention to warning signs and seek medical advice early.
He adds that the cardiothoracic team at Lautoka Hospital runs full-day clinics every Monday and half-day clinics every Friday, with surgeries conducted throughout the week.
He adds all consultations, surgeries, and post-operative care are provided free of charge to Fijian citizens.
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