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Cardiologists at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) are celebrating the successful completion of a ground-breaking procedure designed to re-open narrowed blood vessels in patients suffering from heart disease.
This surgical procedure, known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, is the first of its kind in the Western Region. Medical experts have pointed out that a significant number of cardiac arrests have resulted in fatalities because patients had to travel to Nairobi for the nearest surgical intervention.
On Saturday, a team of cardiologists from MTRH, in collaboration with Aga Khan Hospital, successfully performed six procedures at the Eldoret-based facility.
MTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Philip Kirwa, explained that this minimally invasive procedure utilises a modern machine that allows a thin wire to be inserted through the groin to reach the heart for monitoring. A balloon is then used to open the blocked blood vessels, restoring normal blood flow.
Dr Kirwa emphasised that this inaugural procedure will greatly benefit patients suffering from hypertension. Previously, it was challenging to intervene for patients experiencing heart attacks, as they needed rescue within two hours at facilities located in Nairobi.
“Heart problems are becoming increasingly common, making this procedure timely. The machine was procured late last year and installed early this year, marking the first of its kind in western Kenya, as the nearest emergency service was in Nairobi,” Kirwa stated.
He further noted that the procedure is part of a wider effort to save patients by treating heart attacks without the need for open-heart surgery. Patients can expect to return to their normal activities within days after the procedure, which is also covered by the Social Health Authority.
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During the procedure, a dye is injected into the arteries to enhance visibility on X-rays, enabling cardiologists to identify blockages.
Felix Barasa, the head of cardiology at MTRH, confirmed that all six procedures were successful. “It is a significant moment for MTRH cardiologists as we mark this historical achievement,” Dr Barasa said.
He added that among the six patients treated, one had experienced multiple heart attacks recently.
The cardiologist explained that the blood vessels of these patients were previously managed conservatively, but, with the new machine, they were successfully opened during the one-hour procedure.
“Some patients had not suffered heart attacks but presented symptoms. The blocked blood vessels are opened using a surgical balloon, which can take about an hour,” Barasa noted.
He added, “This procedure widens narrowed blood vessels and alleviates chest pains and shortness of breath. The success rate is nearly 100 percent.”
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