Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH) has announced that its Cath Lab facility has successfully provided treatment to 16 patients since its inception.
The Interventional Cardiology services, or Cath Lab, were officially launched at Addu Equatorial Hospital on January 28, in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). This initiative aims to expand and enhance the specialized cardiac care available in the southern region of the Maldives.
A Cath Lab (Catheterization Laboratory) is a specialized diagnostic and treatment facility used to evaluate the condition of the heart and blood vessels. In this laboratory, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the blood vessels, and a special dye is injected to visualize the arteries via X-ray imaging. This procedure allows medical professionals to identify any blockages or narrowing of the arteries. If a blockage is detected, advanced medical tools such as stents are utilized to open and support the affected vessel.
Speaking to PSM News, Addu Equatorial Hospital confirmed that 16 patients have received treatment through the Cath Lab so far. Among these cases, 7 patients underwent both Coronary Angiography (CAG) and Angioplasty, while 9 patients underwent Coronary Angiography (CAG) for diagnostic purposes.
Angiography is a diagnostic procedure performed to detect cardiac conditions. During this test, a catheter is inserted through the wrist or the groin and guided to the coronary arteries. A contrast dye is then released, and X-ray images are taken to identify any obstructions in the blood flow.
Angioplasty is a therapeutic procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed blood vessels. If a blockage is found, a small balloon is inflated at the site of the obstruction to open the artery. Typically, a permanent wire-mesh tube, known as a stent, is placed in the artery to keep it open and ensure healthy blood circulation to the heart. While the process is similar to angiography, it is a specific intervention designed to restore proper blood flow within the coronary arteries.
