AKU’s Department of Cardiology recently hosted an informative two-day conference with a distinguished group of cardiologists, both international and national, to explore the latest advancements in catheter-based therapies. These therapies are revolutionizing the treatment of complex heart conditions, offering minimally invasive alternatives that significantly reduce recovery time and complications.
However, the challenge remains for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to implement and expand these therapies due to limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for specialized training. The goal of the conference was to discuss innovative solutions, strategies to overcome these barriers, and to foster collaboration for improving access to these advanced treatments in various healthcare settings. Before the main conference, a series of pre-conference workshops took place, focusing on specific areas of interventional cardiology. These included topics such as rotational atherectomy, cardio-obstetrics, functional assessment of coronary lesions, and complex PCI. Workshops on handheld echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG) also took place, providing a deeper understanding of these essential diagnostic tools.
Dr. Bashir Hanif, Director of Tabba Heart Institute, gave a talk on the milestones and future challenges of interventional cardiology in Pakistan. This was followed by a presentation from Gen (R) Dr. Azhar Kiyani, a health advisor to the government, who discussed the role of health policy and leadership in interventional cardiology. Dr. Amber Malik, a Consultant in Interventional Cardiology, closed the inaugural talks with an inspiring presentation on the journey of women in this specialized field.
The second day brought in a range of topics related to complex cardiovascular interventions. Dr. Abdul Hakeem, Director of the Cath Lab at NICVD, provided insights into imaging in complex PCI procedures, while Dr. Nasir Rehman from AKU explored the potential future of stent-free procedures, focusing on drug-coated balloons (DCBs). Dr. Asad Pathan from Tabba Heart Institute shared his expertise on chronic total occlusion (CTO), offering valuable tips and tricks for successful interventions while Dr. Asaad Akbar from Shifa International Hospital discussed strategies for managing calcium during procedures, which is often a significant challenge in interventional cardiology.
Other talks covered a range of advanced topics, such as the growing role of women in interventional cardiology, rapid decision-making through point-of-care testing (POCT), contemporary transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and edge-to-edge repair. Experts from renowned institutions such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, NHS Trust, Peshawar Institute of Cardiology and Georgetown University shared their expertise and insights. This conference not only showcased the latest advancements in interventional cardiology but also addressed the unique challenges faced by LMICs in adopting these technologies. The event concluded with a renewed sense of collaboration and commitment to improving cardiovascular care globally, ensuring that these life-saving innovations reach patients in need, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.
