A team of cardiologists in Nairobi has successfully performed a rare heart procedure known as Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL), marking a milestone in Kenya’s growing capacity for advanced cardiac care. This development positions Kenya among the very few countries in Africa capable of carrying out such cutting-edge treatments.
The patient, a 68-year-old man who had suffered a heart attack three weeks earlier, was diagnosed with multiple severely calcified blockages in his coronary arteries. These blockages are particularly difficult to treat because the artery walls harden and become rigid, resembling concrete pipes. Standard angioplasty balloons often fail in such cases, while bypass surgery may be too risky or unsuitable.
In this instance, bypass surgery was not an option as the vessels were unsuitable, and the patient was reluctant to undergo major surgery. IVL offered a safe and minimally invasive alternative.
The procedure involves the use of a balloon catheter, which is threaded into the artery and emits controlled sonic pressure waves. These waves selectively fracture hardened calcium within the vessel walls, making them more flexible. Once the calcium is broken down, doctors can insert stents to restore blood flow without damaging healthy artery tissue.
During the procedure, pulses were delivered in two blocked arteries, successfully cracking the calcium and allowing precise placement of two stents. The patient responded well to treatment and was discharged the following day.
This success adds to a growing list of advanced heart interventions recently introduced in Kenya. In the past year, doctors have carried out procedures such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), which replaces narrowed heart valves without surgery, and renal artery denervation, used to treat resistant high blood pressure.
Experts believe these advancements demonstrate Kenya’s progress toward international standards in minimally invasive cardiology. Such procedures not only reduce the risks associated with open-heart surgery but also shorten recovery times, making treatment more accessible and affordable for patients who might otherwise travel abroad.
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Kenya, fueled by lifestyle changes and an ageing population. Calcified artery blockages, which mostly affect older individuals, pose significant treatment challenges. With the adoption of IVL, doctors now have a safe, effective option for patients previously considered too high-risk.
This breakthrough underscores Kenya’s commitment to expanding access to advanced cardiac care, bringing hope to many patients with complex coronary conditions.
