Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre Strengthens Its Position as a Cardiac Centre of Excellence

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, December 2025 – Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre has reached a major clinical milestone with the successful performance of complex Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) procedures under the guidance of a visiting United Kingdom-based interventional cardiologist, significantly advancing access to high-complexity coronary interventions in KwaZulu-Natal.

CTO interventions are regarded as among the most technically demanding procedures in interventional cardiology, involving the treatment of long-standing and completely blocked coronary arteries. These procedures were traditionally managed through open-heart bypass surgery, making this advancement a major step forward in offering patients a less invasive, catheter-based alternative with faster recovery times and reduced surgical risk.

The recent CTO procedures at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre were performed by the hospital’s resident interventional cardiology team under the direct on-site guidance and clinical oversight of visiting UK interventional cardiologist, Dr Abdul Mozid, in partnership with SA Medical. This collaboration enabled the safe transfer of advanced techniques and real-time procedural mentorship during these highly complex interventions.

“This marks a significant advancement for cardiac services in KwaZulu-Natal,” said Niresh Bechan, Hospital CEO at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre. “Performing CTO procedures under the guidance of an internationally recognised specialist strengthens our clinical capability and allows our patients access to world-class intervention.”

Dr Mozid’s involvement reflects Lenmed’s commitment to international clinical collaboration, skills transfer and continuous improvement, while reinforcing the depth of expertise within its local
cardiology team.

“CTO interventions demand exceptional technical skill, absolute precision and a highly controlled clinical environment,” said Dr Khan and Dr Hansa, specialists at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre. “Having direct UK specialist guidance during these procedures allows our team to operate at an international standard while building long-term local capability for these complex interventions.”

Strategically located, Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre plays a critical role in improving access to life-saving cardiac services for communities across KwaZulu-Natal and neighbouring
regions. The hospital’s multidisciplinary cardiac team offers comprehensive services ranging from diagnostic and interventional cardiology to cardiothoracic surgery, electrophysiology and cardiac rehabilitation.

“Our mission is to ensure that patients in our community have access to world-class cardiac care, close to home,” added Bechan. “Every investment we make in clinical expertise, infrastructure and technology is guided by one purpose – to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.”

Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre has long been recognised as a leader in cardiovascular healthcare in South Africa. With state-of-the-art technology and a team of highly skilled interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and specialised nursing staff, the hospital remains at the forefront of innovative cardiac treatments. The hospital offers advanced services including interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, paediatric cardiology, acute rehabilitation, transplants and life-saving Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) procedures.

The hospital was the first in Africa to receive accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for its Chest Pain Centre and Primary PCI programmes and has maintained this accreditation for three consecutive years, receiving re-accreditation and a Centre of Excellence Award in 2024. The hospital has also been recognised by the World Stroke Organisation with seven Diamond Awards, the highest global recognition for acute stroke care.

This places Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre among an elite group of global healthcare institutions that meet the most stringent international standards for cardiovascular and stroke care.

Patients can have even greater confidence in the hospital’s ability to deliver exceptional outcomes and comprehensive, world-class cardiac treatment.

For more information on Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre’s advanced cardiac services, please visit www.lenmed.com or contact +27 31 581 2400.