Dr. Abdullah Al-Anzi, Head of the Adult Cardiology Department at Chest Diseases Hospital, confirmed that the hospital has successfully treated 14 critical cases of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias using a pioneering "catheter ablation program supported by the VA ECMO device." This program is the first of its kind in Kuwait and the GCC countries. Dr. Al-Anzi explained that some heart patients suffer from dangerous ventricular arrhythmias that threaten their lives and are typically treated using catheter ablation. However, some of these patients have severely weakened heart muscles, making catheter ablation too risky for them. To address these challenging cases, a collaboration was formed among heart physiology specialists Dr. Fawzia Al-Kandari and Dr. Abdullah Jamaan, along with catheterization specialists Dr. Khaled Al-Mari and Dr. Abdullah Al-Anzi, and the anesthesiology team. This collaboration led to the creation of a comprehensive program to treat these complex cases. The program has successfully treated 14 difficult cases over the past three years. The process involves implanting a VA ECMO device by the catheterization team, followed by catheter ablation performed by the heart physiology specialists. This procedure is done with minimal risk due to the support provided by the VA ECMO device, which is removed after the ablation is complete. Dr. Al-Anzi highlighted that this program reduces patient suffering by providing an alternative to traveling abroad for treatment and helps lower the financial burden on the country's healthcare budget. It also represents another milestone in Chest Diseases Hospital's ongoing efforts to enhance cardiac care services in the country.

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