It helps patients in cases of blockage of blood vessels
For the first time on the African continent, a doctor at the Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Center in South Africa performed a pioneering operation that revolutionized the care of patients with chronic diseases.
Dr. Vinesh Padayachi performed an orbital atherectomy, a procedure used to treat calcified arteries and restore blood flow.
It was performed on a 67-year-old woman with atherosclerosis of the arteries of the extremities. She also suffers from hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Padayachi explained that he used the orbital atherectomy system.
“This procedure is very helpful for patients with clogged blood vessels. We use a device that rotates at such a high speed that it allows the blockage to be removed from the inside. It dilates the blood vessels,” he said.
Padayachi said calcified plaques break down into small particles (<5 microns) that are excreted from the body. This procedure was carried out in Africa for the first time.
The doctor said that he had to undergo special training from foreign experts. In addition, he explained that people suffering from high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, as well as smokers are at risk for the formation of such growths in the vessels. Old age is also one of the factors.
Padayachi said that the subsequent treatment depends on the patient and his lifestyle.
Speaking about the benefits of the procedure, Padayachi added that it is minimally invasive and requires less hospital stay, so healing is faster and less expensive for the patient.
Padayachi noted that being a pioneer in the field of medicine is an honor. He said he hopes to share his skills with fellow surgeons in both the public and private sectors to ensure patients have access to the best care.