First cardiac stenting successfully performed at Lautoka Hospital

A 46-year-old Nadi man has become the first person in Fiji to undergo a successful cardiac stenting procedure at the Aspen Medical–managed Lautoka Hospital.

Aspen Medical confirmed the breakthrough after performing the first-ever Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) at the hospital’s state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory last week.

A PCI stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked arteries in the heart, offering patients a faster and safer recovery.

Vimelsh Kumar, from Votualevu, Nadi, who had suffered severe chest pain and a heart attack in August, was the first patient to receive the treatment.

“I’m thankful to the doctors involved in the procedure. This procedure has given me another new lease of life,” Mr Kumar said.

The operation was successfully led by Aspen Medical Specialist Physician and Cardiologist Dr Bharatvansh Bali, in collaboration with the MIOT team.

Dr Bali said Mr Kumar had a 99 percent blockage in his right coronary artery which required immediate attention.

“It’s just a small puncture in the wrist through which all the equipment such as catheters, angioplasty wires, and balloons are inserted. After the stenting procedure, the equipment is removed and the patient can start walking around within few hours. They can even be discharged later the same day or the next morning after observation,” he said.

He described the procedure as a historic occasion for Lautoka Hospital, highlighting the facility’s growing capacity to deliver world-class medical care.

“We’re already doing coronary angiograms on a regular basis. 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,” Dr Bali said.

The achievement comes as Lautoka Hospital celebrates conducting over 300 life-saving cardiac surgeries since the introduction of free heart surgery services in 2022.

Dr Bali urged the public to take heart symptoms seriously and seek early medical attention.

“If you have any symptoms that could be related to your heart, don’t delay. Get checked by your doctor. Early detection and timely surgery can save your life,” he said.

He also acknowledged the MIOT team for their continued support and collaboration.

“This is truly a team effort. I’m thankful to the MIOT team for their partnership as we work together to provide world-class cardiac services to our people,” Dr Bali said.

Cardiac clinics at Lautoka Hospital run full-day every Monday and half-day every Friday, with surgeries conducted throughout the week. All consultations, surgeries, and post-operative care are provided free of charge to Fijian citizens.