The 4th of October 2024, was a momentous day for Medical Associates, Tapion Hospital and for Saint Lucia. In a groundbreaking medical achievement, this leading private medical centre successfully performed its first coronary angiograms.
This landmark procedure represents a significant leap forward in the healthcare capabilities, bringing advanced cardiovascular care closer to home for patients in Saint Lucia and across the OECS.
A coronary angiogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to visualize the blood vessels of the heart and detect any blockages. It is a critical tool in the early detection and treatment of heart disease.
The two procedures were performed by local cardiologists Dr Romel Daniel and Dr Kurlene Cenac under the proctorship of one of the foremost regional Interventional Cardiologists, Dr Julien Fabre from CHUM, Martinique, with the support of a highly skilled local multidisciplinary team.
“We are extremely proud to be offering this service”, said Dr Romel Daniel and Dr Kurlene Cenac. “Our goal has always been to provide world-class medical care to the people of Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean, and this achievement brings us one step closer to that vision”.
Medical Associates, Tapion Hospital, has invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and the continuous training of its medical staff to ensure the highest standards of care.
The availability of coronary angiograms is part of a broader commitment by the facility to expand its cardiovascular services and improve access to critical healthcare services in the OECS region. This epitomizes the value of cooperation between Martinique and the OECS.
The patients who underwent the procedure, are reported to be in good health and are recovering well. The success of the procedure paves the way for future cardiac interventions, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming overseas medical travel.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of Morbidity and Mortality in Saint Lucia. The aim of the facility is to offer diagnosis and treatment in both Cardiac and Peripheral Artery Diseases.
Angiograms are currently being employed in the diagnosis and treatment of Angina or Heart attack (Chest pain due to blocked arteries) and pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure in the lung).
The management of other conditions such as peripheral artery disease, congenital heart defects (holes in the heart), heart valve disease (valve replacement/repair) and aortic aneurysms (abnormal ballooning of the aorta) will be available in the future as the service is expanded.
Medical Associates thanks all its team of nurses and support staff who made it happen together with the Chief Pharmacist and Senior Radiographer.
Special thanks to Dr Natasha Innocent-Thomas of the SLMDC and the CMO, Dr Sharon Belmar-George, for their assistance in making this huge Saint Lucian surge possible.
SOURCE: Medical Associates. Photo: Stock image.
