Bringing Advanced Stroke Prevention to the North West: A New Era in Cardiac Care
Klerksdorp May 2026 -Cardiovascular services in the North West have taken another important
step forward with the introduction of advanced left atrial appendage (LAA) closure procedures
at Lenmed Wilmed Park Hospital and Heart Centre’s Cardiac Unit.
The new service is being established through a collaboration between internationally recognised
cardiac specialist Prof Vedran Velagic and local interventional cardiologist Dr Don Zachariah,
bringing world-class stroke prevention options closer to patients in the North West Province.
LAA closure offers an important treatment alternative for patients living with atrial fibrillation
(AF) who are unable to tolerate long-term blood-thinning medication such as warfarin because
of bleeding risks or other complications.
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke. In many
patients with AF, blood clots can form in a small pouch of the heart known as the left atrial
appendage. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a potentially life-threatening stroke.
The LAA closure procedure uses a minimally invasive, catheter-based approach to place a
specialised device that seals off the appendage, helping reduce the risk of stroke in carefully
selected patients.
Beyond the procedure itself, the collaboration between Prof Velagic and Dr Zachariah highlights
the growing importance of mentorship, skills transfer, and international partnerships in
strengthening specialised healthcare services locally.
Dr Zachariah said the partnership reflects a broader commitment to improving access to
advanced care within the province. “Collaboration is essential in growing local healthcare
services and ensuring our patients have access to world-class medicine closer to home.
Through partnerships with internationally experienced specialists and support from hospital
leadership, we can continue expanding advanced cardiac care within our community.”
Lenmed Wilmed Park Hospital and Heart Centre has continued to expand its cardiovascular
capabilities across interventional cardiology, structural heart disease, electrophysiology, and
complex vascular interventions – helping ensure that patients in the region can increasingly
access sophisticated treatment without needing to travel far from home.
The introduction of LAA closure procedures marks another milestone in the ongoing
development of advanced cardiac care services in Klerksdorp and the broader North West
Province.
About Wilmed Park Hospital and Heart Centre
Wilmed Park Hospital and Heart Centre is a leading private healthcare facility in the North West
province, dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality medical services across a range
of specialities, including advanced cardiac care.
About Lenmed
Lenmed is a leading private healthcare provider committed to delivering quality, patient-centred
care across its network of hospitals and specialised healthcare services. Through clinical
excellence, innovation, and compassionate care, Lenmed continues to improve health
outcomes for the communities it serves. Lenmed currently operates in Botswana, Mozambique,
South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. For more information on the Group and Wilmed Park
Hospital and Heart Centre, visit our website www.lenmed.com
For media inquiries, please contact:
Group Marketing and Communications Manager
Michelle Naidoo
[email protected]
