Medcare introduces QFR technology in the Middle East, revolutionizing angiography procedures for accurately detecting coronary artery disease

• The technology is being brought in as part of a new Cardiac catheterization laboratory being launched by Medcare. This will be the first such facility for heart patients at Aster DM Healthcare group.
• The new non-invasive procedure will eliminate the need of repeatedly using drugs and/or pressure wire insertions into the patient’s blood vessels.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1 February 2017:  Medcare, the premium healthcare division of Aster DM Healthcare, has announced the launch of its first state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath lab), expanding its heart care offerings for patients, at Arab Health 2017. The facility will see the introduction of an advanced technology to optimize coronary angiography procedures. QFR (Quantitative Flow Ratio) analysis is an innovative technology that involves 3D model reconstruction of the blood vessels. It provides doctors with an accurate assessment of the extent of artery blockage in a patient, while eliminating the need of repeatedly using invasive adenosine drugs and/or pressure wire insertions into the patient’s coronary arteries. This is the first such introduction in the Middle East, after successful launching in Europe.

The Cath lab will be a part of a hospital's cardiac care facilities. It is an examination room in a hospital with diagnostic and therapeutic imaging equipment, and is used to visualize the arteries of the heart and the chambers of the heart and to treat any abnormality found.

“The QFR (Quantitative Flow Ratio) analysis technology will provide us with a precise assessment of the severity of blockages in the artery through better visualization, and optimal viewing angles of the problem area in the patient’s blood vessels, without inserting catheters or drugs. Further, the technology has the ability to quickly calculate the rate of blood flow in the affected artery, which in turn will help us make a much more accurate decision about the need for inserting stents. It will highly improve safety and efficacy of the coronary intervention and stenting.” said Dr. Yehya Kiwan, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Medcare

Coronary angiography is a procedure carried out at a Cath Lab to detect blockages in the coronary arteries of the patient that are caused by plaque (fat deposits) buildup. Blockages prevent the heart from getting enough supply of oxygen and important nutrients. This procedure is used to diagnose coronary heart disease after chest pain, sudden cardiac arrest, or abnormal results from tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) of the heart or an exercise stress test are found. 

“At Medcare, we strive to continuously strengthen our service offerings, and our new Cath Lab will be equipped with the latest diagnostic imaging devices in the sphere of cardiac care. Our effort is to bring to our patients; the most advanced medical technologies that can help deliver optimal health outcomes at power following international standards.” said Dr. Shanila Laiju, Chief Operations Officer at Medcare