A multidisciplinary team of specialists at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) successfully performed a life-saving emergency heart procedure on a critically ill expectant mother. The procedure, a Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvotomy (PMBV), was guided by Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) and was carried out on a patient referred to the hospital with serious complications from underlying mitral valve disease during pregnancy. The patient required urgent intervention to protect both her life and that of her unborn baby.
The procedure was led by Dr. Constantine Akwanalo and Dr. David Lagat, with support from Dr. Reuben Yano. Other key team members included Dr. Edwin Gudu and Dr. Mitchell Okutoyi, who provided anaesthesia, and the Cath Lab nursing team, comprising Jacqueline Kirui, Purity Chebet, Kelvin Masiga, and Olive Mugodo. Biomedical engineer Andrew Chelulei and radiographer Reuben Mutai provided technical support. The team's combined expertise and coordination were crucial to the procedure's success.
The intervention was guided and monitored in real-time using imaging from both Transesophageal Echocardiography and the Cath Lab image intensifier system. This allowed the team to carefully guide and monitor the procedure throughout. The successful completion of the procedure has ensured the safety of both the mother and her baby. This marks the third emergency case of its kind successfully managed through the MTRH Cath Lab.
The MTRH has been strengthening its capacity to deliver specialized, time-critical cardiac care to patients from across Kenya and beyond. The hospital's growing capacity for advanced cardiac care in the region was underscored by the successful procedure. The intervention is fully covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA), reflecting the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality care to those in need.
Dr. Ayub Barasa, Head of Cardiology at MTRH, highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, specialized expertise, and advanced cardiac technology in managing complex emergencies. He noted that the successful procedure reflects the hospital's ability to respond to critical situations. Dr. Philip Kirwa, MTRH Chief Executive Officer, affirmed the hospital's commitment to delivering specialized care.
The MTRH has congratulated the entire multidisciplinary team for their professionalism, coordination, and dedication to high-quality specialized care. The team's efforts have ensured that the hospital continues to provide life-saving care to patients. The hospital's Cath Lab has become a critical resource for cardiac care in the region.
The successful procedure is a testament to the hospital's growing capabilities and its commitment to delivering high-quality care. The MTRH will continue to strengthen its capacity to respond to complex emergencies and provide specialized care to patients from across Kenya and beyond.
Key points
- The procedure was led by Dr. Constantine Akwanalo and Dr. David Lagat.
- The intervention was guided and monitored in real-time using imaging from both Transesophageal Echocardiography and the Cath Lab image intensifier system.
- The hospital's Cath Lab has become a critical resource for cardiac care in the region.
