The Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) led by a team of US doctors completed 14 angioplasties last week extensively reducing the number of patients waiting for open-heart surgeries.
Drug-eluting stents, which contain drugs that potentially reduce the chance of arteries being blocked again, were used for the first time in the local operation at CHI, and patients were cautioned about the need to adhere to the required follow-up care that involves staying on the prescribed blood thinners.
Intervention Cardiologist, Dr Wissan Hayek, accompanied by Angioplasty Specialist, Alex Manshir, and OR nurse, Yesenia Ramos, performed the surgeries along with Cardiologist and Chief Executive Officer of CHI, Dr Gary Stephens.
Dr Hayek told Stabroek News on Saturday after the final round of angioplasties were performed that the 14 patients who received stents were on the waiting list for surgery but benefited from angioplasty instead. He said their medical complaints ranged from heart attacks to shortness of breath.
Since CHI introduced angioplasties a total of three were done during scheduled sessions. Dr. Hayek and his team were able to perform 14 more over a three-day period, which he said, was an amazing achievement.
“Patients who benefit from stents are able to leave the hospital the next day unlike after surgery when they are here for a few days,” Dr Hayek noted.
He added that stents led to dramatic improvement in the quality of life for many persons and with the recent introduction of drug eluting stents the procedure has become a preferred option.
Hayek said the drug-eluting stents retail between US$1,500-US$1,800, which is a mark up from the regular bare metal stents. However, he added that the long-term benefits make them a worthwhile purchase since they dramatically reduce the risk of the arteries becoming clogged again.
Stephens related that patients have been advised to remain on the drug, plavix for at least six months since it prevents the blood from clotting. He said CHI, before introducing angioplasty last year had collected all the local samples of the drug and had them tested at a lab in Canada. The results were favourable.
According to Stephens, open heart surgeries were planned for last week but flight scheduling problems prevented certain members of the surgical team from being present. He said surgeries are scheduled for next month.
