Aspen Medical–managed Lautoka Hospital performs first IVUS-guided heart stent procedure

The cardiac team at Aspen Medical–managed Lautoka Hospital has successfully performed its first Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)-guided coronary stenting procedure, marking a major milestone for advanced cardiac care in Fiji.

The procedure was carried out last week at the hospital’s newly opened Cardiac Catheterisation (Cath) Lab and was led by a specialist team including Aspen Medical consultant cardiologist Dr Bharatvansh Bali.

The procedure was completed without complications, and the patient was discharged the following day in a stable condition.

IVUS is an advanced imaging technology that allows doctors to view the inside of coronary arteries using ultrasound from within the blood vessel itself. The technique enables cardiologists to accurately assess the severity and extent of arterial narrowing and to tailor treatment with greater precision.

This approach significantly reduces the risk of future re-narrowing of the artery and improves long-term outcomes for patients undergoing coronary stenting.

Dr Bali said the successful introduction of IVUS-guided stenting represented an important step forward for healthcare services in Fiji.

“This technology allows us to make better clinical decisions and deliver optimal care locally,” he said.

“It represents a major advancement in providing high-level interventional cardiology services for patients in Fiji.”

Dr Bali said the procedure meant patients could now access evidence-based, advanced cardiac interventions locally, without the need to travel overseas.

“The introduction of IVUS-guided stenting at Lautoka Hospital marks an important milestone in cardiac care,” he said.

“We remain committed to advancing specialist healthcare services in Fiji and improving outcomes for patients with complex heart disease.”