By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said, a team of physicians at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex on 26 March 2024, conducted a landmark procedure by successfully implanting a pacemaker at the newly refurbished Catherisation Laboratory (Cathlab).

Sambatha said the procedure, a first of its kind to be performed in the province was conducted on a patient who had been admitted in the Orthopaedic ward with a neck of femur fracture which resulted from falling and left him unconscious. He further said physicians at the facility, attributed the fall to a complete heart block, which caused both his blood pressure and heart rate to drop to below 40/pm.

“This pioneering surgery, led by seasoned cardiologists. Dr Zacharia marks a new era in the treatment of heart conditions in the province. We acknowledge the hospital’s management for embracing new technologies that improve healthcare outcomes.

“The implantation of the latest cardiac pacing technology in a hospital in the North West, not only signifies a leap in medical capabilities within the province, but also highlights the dynamic landscape of medical capability in our public health institutions,” he said.

Sambatha further said the patient benefiting from this medical marvel faced severe limitations to his  physical capabilities and his quality of life would have been compromised had he not undergone the procedure.

He added that, the surgical procedure was conducted amidst training for physicians in the newly built Cathlab.

“Another round of training for physicians to perform Coronary Angiogram and Stent Implantation is scheduled to take place in mid-April this year,” said Sambatha.

The CEO of Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex, Thulani Madonsela, has thanked the enitre team that was initiated into action which included Anesthetics, Radiographers, an in house Cardiac Technologist, theatre staff, the Clinical Technology unit as well as the technical support team.

“What was good today was the coming together of the team and our efforts as a province and hospital has come to fruition,” said Madonsela.

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