September 2023 — Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre proudly announces the successful completion of its inaugural Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) procedure, which took place on 4 August 2023. This remarkable achievement signifies a new chapter for cardiac care in KwaZulu-Natal and solidifies the Lenmed Group’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.

An LVAD is a mechanical device designed to support the weakened heart by assisting the left ventricle in pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. This procedure offers a lifeline for individuals who are ineligible for a heart transplant or who are awaiting a suitable donor heart. The successful outcome of this first-of-its-kind procedure at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre brings renewed hope to patients facing advanced heart failure.

The procedure’s success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary team of cardiothoracic surgeons led by Dr. Pravin Maharaj, and supported by Dr. Rahim Khan, Dr. Shiraz Gafoor and the anesthesiologist, Dr. Chris Nurse. In addition to this, the nurses and support staff also worked seamlessly to ensure the patient’s safety and well-being.

The procedure, which was also done under the auspices of cardiothoracic transplant surgeon and LVAD trainer Dr. Willie Koen, demonstrated the medical team’s exceptional skill and expertise in the field and the hospital’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in healthcare delivery, research, and innovation.

“The journey in preparation for our first case commenced in December 2022, and to date, we are immensely proud to have achieved this milestone in cardiac medicine and as Lenmed’s transplant division,” said Group CEO, Amil Devchand. “This accomplishment and the contributions made to it underscores our commitment to providing advanced, patient-centric care and positions us at the forefront of medical innovation.”

“The team that worked on this case is extremely proud of its success. For the entire medical team, the LVAD procedure marks the beginning of a new era in cardiac care, offering renewed hope for countless patients and their families,” shared Lead Surgeon, Dr. Pravin Maharaj.

Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre is an ultra-sophisticated and digitally integrated hospital north of Durban boasting an extensive and leading adult and paediatric cardiac and cardiothoracic service offering. It is the only hospital in KwaZulu-Natal that offers much-needed services for paediatric cardiac surgery.

The facility is the first and only in Africa to be awarded accreditation by the American College of Cardiology, based on a rigorous evaluation of the hospital team’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

Lenmed owns and manages eighteen hospitals in four countries on the African continent.

The Lenmed Group is a world-class group of Private Hospitals that brings quality healthcare to communities across Africa.