News
Passionate pursuit of heart care
View(s):- Live interventional cardiology and mobilizing Physicians in the battle against heart disease the high points at the SLCC’s academic sessions
By Kumudini Hettiarachchi
The President of the British Cardiovascular Interventional Society, Prof. David Hildick-Smith, delivering the Dr. G.R. Handy Memorial Oration
Moving away from the usual academic sessions of exclusive lectures and discussions, the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology (SLCC) proved that “people’s hearts do matter” through hands-on training.
Skill enhancement in interventional cardiology through live workshops beamed from a private hospital to participants at the session venue was one high point, while another was garnering the support of Physicians in the battle against heart disease.
The SLCC’s 24th Annual Academic Sessions on the theme ‘Revolutionizing cardiac care – your heart matters’ held in early July in Colombo under the guidance of President Dr. Tanya Pereira saw these and much more enlightening sessions.
Pointing out that heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in Sri Lanka, Dr. Pereira reiterated that the number of patients seeking treatment for cardiac ailments was increasing progressively.
The numbers told the heart trouble tale – in 2023 (last year), of a total deaths of 5,404 at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), cardiovascular deaths came first, taking a toll of 984 (18.2%), as opposed to sepsis which came second with 602.
The tragic trend was similar at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, where of 1,857 deaths, cardiovascular deaths amounted to the highest with 476 (26%), once again followed by 325 sepsis deaths.
“The number of patients having cardiovascular issues, however, is not matched by the number of Cardiologists,” lamented Dr. Pereira, explaining how more and more General Physicians were frequently called upon to attend on cardiac patients. This was why it was “imperative” for the SLCC to provide Physicians with knowledge and skills in cardiac care. This had been why the SLCC concentrated on general topics of current interest, “as we rely on our Physicians as primary referral sources as we don’t have adequate Cardiologist for peripheral distribution”.
As the SLCC delved into the latest advancements in cardiology and discussed groundbreaking research, innovative technologies and transforming treatments, two days of live interventional workshops featured Trans Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). This was followed by a complex coronary intervention workshop featuring left main stenting, bifurcation stentings, rotablation, intravascular ultrasound and chronic total occlusions.
Head-table at the inauguration (from left): SLCC Joint Secretary Dr. Disna Amaratunga; Dr. G.R. Handy Memorial Orator Prof. David Hildick-Smith; Chief Guest and Health Secretary Dr. P.G. Mahipala; SLCC President Dr. Tanya Pereira; Guest-of-Honour Prof. Tony Walton; and SLCC Joint Secretary Dr. K. Suntharesan
Some of the other highlights included a comprehensive allied health professional programme for nurses and technicians; an interventional programme by renowned leaders in the field and a live session for the non-cardiology audience on catheterization lab procedures.
Focusing on the SLCC’s theme, Dr. Pereira underscored that it also revolved around patient education in the prevention of heart disease. It was important for people to take care of their hearts and health, to be better equipped to help others.
The SLCC had also opened the doors of the academic sessions to its Asian counterparts and Dr. Pereira’s hope was that their colleagues from Bangladesh, India and Nepal would help forge new connections and foster a community that would support and inspire each other.
Course Coordinator Dr. Vajira Senaratne and Dr. Tanya Pereira during a live demonstration
Underscoring that each participant had a unique perspective and a valuable contribution to make, Dr. Pereira was certain that all engaged actively, questioned deeply and shared generously.
Senior Cardiologists Dr. Vajira Senaratne and Dr. Nimali Fernando had been the live-wires of the interventional and academic programmes.
Looking at the work lined up by the SLCC for the rest of the year, beyond the academic sessions, Dr. Pereira said there were provincial education programmes for doctors who found it difficult to come to Colombo for the sessions; public education and awareness campaigns through social media; imaging and echo workshops with international audiences; and a Heart Day Walk planned for September 29 to increase public awareness of heart health.
The Director Cardiology and Head of Cardiac Labs at the Alfred Hospital Melbourne, Australia, Prof. Tony Walton who performed the live Percutaneous Trans Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), flanked by his former trainees, Dr. Tanya Pereira and Dr. Ajith Wanniarachchi
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!