Sarawak Heart Centre performs first Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator implantation in State

Dr Koh (front row, fourth right) and his EP team behind the EV ICD implantation procedure, a first for Sarawak. Photo credit: Dr Sim Kui Hian/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 22: The Sarawak Heart Centre has marked a significant medical milestone with the successful implantation of the first Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV ICD) in the State.

The achievement led by Dr Koh Keng Tat and his electrophysiology (EP) team, was lauded by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG), Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Sarawak Heart Centre’s skilled medical professionals prepare for the groundbreaking EV ICD implantation procedure. Photo credit: Dr Sim Kui Hian/Facebook

In a congratulatory message posted on his official Facebook page, Dr Sim highlighted the innovative nature of the EV ICD, a device designed to treat life-threatening heart arrhythmias by delivering electrical shocks when necessary.

Unlike traditional implantable defibrillators that rely on leads placed inside the heart via blood vessels, the EV ICD uses leads placed externally, in the area near the heart, specifically under the breastbone.

“This design reduces some of the risks associated with traditional transvenous (vein-based) ICDs, such as infections or complications from leads within blood vessels.

“The EV ICD system can detect and treat both ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF), potentially saving a patient’s life during these events,” the minister said. — DayakDaily