IVUS Connect+ 2025 at IJN: Advancing Modern PCI With Expert Insights and Case Sharing

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Posted in Workshop

The IVUS Connect+ 2025 symposium, held on 18 October 2025 at EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur, brought together leading interventional cardiologists to discuss cutting-edge strategies in modern percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Organized in collaboration with Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), the event highlighted advancements in IVUS-guided decision-making, drug-eluting treatments, bifurcation techniques, and CHIP (Complex, High-Risk, Indicated Procedures) case management.

IVUS Connect+ 2025

Chaired by Dato’ Sri Dr Azhari Bin Rosman (IJN), the program featured a strong faculty line-up, including both local and international experts.

Key Highlights From IVUS Connect+ 2025

1. Drug-Eluting Treatment in Real-World Practice

Dr Hafidz Abd Hadi (IJN) opened the scientific program by addressing the evolving role of drug-eluting technologies. His session emphasized patient selection, lesion complexity, and optimal device choice based on contemporary evidence.

2. Left Main Bifurcation Stenting: When & How?

International faculty Dr Ho Ming-Yun from LinKou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, provided insights into complex left main bifurcation strategies, including when to escalate to two-stent techniques and the role of imaging to ensure optimal outcomes.

3. Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) in Current Practice

Dr Abdul Ariff Shaparudin (IJN) shared expert perspectives on when DCB therapy is most appropriate, highlighting its growing importance in ISR, small vessels, and select de novo lesions.

Case Sharing Sessions: Complex PCI in Focus

The hallmark of IVUS Connect+ was its three in-depth CHIP case presentations, each demonstrating the real-world value of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in guiding therapy.

Session 1 – IVUS-Guided Calcium Strategy

Presented by Dr Mohd Tawfeq Mohd Noor, this case highlighted the importance of calcium characterization and appropriate modification techniques to optimize stent expansion.

Session 2 – IVUS-Guided Bifurcation PCI

Presented by Dr Lim Wei Juan (IJN), this session explored critical decision points in bifurcation PCI, including wire strategies, side-branch protection, optimal stent positioning, and IVUS pullback interpretation to avoid complications and ensure durable outcomes.

Session 3 – IVUS-Guided DES/DCB Approach

Dr Afrah Yousif Haroon (IJN) showcased a hybrid strategy integrating DES and DCB therapy, demonstrating how imaging refines lesion assessment and treatment selection.

Conclusion

IVUS Connect+ 2025 successfully delivered a comprehensive learning experience, equipping interventional cardiologists with the latest evidence, techniques, and imaging-based strategies to improve PCI outcomes.
The combination of expert lectures and complex case demonstrations reaffirmed IVUS as an essential tool in modern PCI—especially in challenging anatomical and high-risk scenarios.

Thank you Boston for organizing!!

Advancing Complex PCI: Highlights from the IJN Heart Summit 2025

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Posted in Workshop

The IJN Heart Summit 2025, organized by Medtronic Malaysia, brought together leading interventional cardiologists for two intensive days focused on Complex PCI and Hybrid Strategy PCI. Expertly chaired by Datuk Dr. Kumara Guruappan and Dato’ Dr. Azmee Mohd Ghazi, the programme featured high-impact live cases, technical discussions, and real-world strategy refinement for complex coronary interventions.

IJN Heart Summit 2025

Day 1: Complex PCI Mastery with Datuk Dr. Kumara Guruappan

Day 1 opened with an in-depth exploration of the pearls and pitfalls of Complex PCI, followed by a full schedule of live case demonstrations.

Datuk Dr. Kumara showcased three important complex bifurcation cases:

  • DK Crush technique – with stepwise precision and troubleshooting in challenging anatomy
  • T-stenting technique – emphasizing optimal guidewire manipulation and stent positioning
  • Provisional stenting strategy – reinforcing minimalist yet effective bifurcation management

Each session was enriched with practical insights, operator tips, and technical nuances that benefitted both seasoned and developing interventionalists.

Day 2: Hybrid Strategy PCI with Dato’ Dr. Azmee Mohd Ghazi

Day 2 focused on the increasingly essential Hybrid Strategy PCI, designed to optimize outcomes in complex lesions where multiple techniques may be required.

Your contribution added significant depth to the day’s learning, where two left main hybrid PCI cases were presented. These cases illustrated:

  • Structured decision-making in complex LM bifurcation disease
  • The integration of imaging, physiology, and real-time lesion assessment
  • Switching between strategies to achieve optimal and safe revascularization

These hybrid LM cases were particularly well-received, highlighting the importance of flexibility, imaging-guided optimisation, and personalised lesion-specific technique selection.

Dato’ Dr. Azmee’s live cases further strengthened participants’ understanding of when and how to apply hybrid methodology in challenging coronary anatomy.

A Program That Elevated Real-World Practice

Across both days, attendees benefited from:

  • High-quality live case transmissions
  • Case-based discussions packed with actionable learning
  • Expert step-by-step walkthroughs of advanced PCI techniques
  • A collaborative environment where practical tips and real-world challenges were openly shared

The summit concluded with certificates, key takeaways, and enthusiastic discussions on how hybrid and complex PCI strategies continue to redefine interventional cardiology practice.

Stellar Medical Launches RESTORE PLUS at Exclusive Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Dinner Talk

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Posted in IJN Talks

Stellar Medical hosted an elegant and insightful product launch dinner for RESTORE PLUS at the prestigious Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, bringing together 30 distinguished doctors for an evening of innovation, knowledge sharing, and clinical inspiration.

RESTORE PLUS

A Night Led by Visionary Leaders

The event was gracefully chaired by Datuk Dr Kumara, whose opening remarks highlighted the growing clinical demand for advanced solutions that improve patient outcomes and streamline treatment pathways. His leadership set the tone for a night focused on excellence and forward-thinking medical practice.

Clinical Insights by Dr Lim Wei Juan

Dr Lim Wei Juan delivered a comprehensive overview of RESTORE PLUS, emphasizing its clinical value, real-world applications, and potential to address unmet needs in modern patient care. The presentation provided attendees with practical updates, case-based insights, and a clear understanding of how the product integrates into daily clinical work. 2 cases were shared, 1st case on heavy thrombus distal RCA, opened by Revoedge and treated with NOAC. 2nd case was a calcified LAD with Rotablation and LM/LAD stents hybrid with Restore Plus DCB.

Expert Perspective by Dr Sharimila Shan

This was followed by an engaging talk by Dr Sharimila Shan, who expanded on RESTORE PLUS through a complementary clinical lens. Her evidence-based discussion covered patient selection, therapeutic advantages, and her personal experience implementing similar products in practice. She also shared on Szabo technique for ostial RCA precision stenting.

Her session offered clarity, confidence, and a strong framework for doctors considering RESTORE PLUS in their treatment protocols.

Engaging Discussions & Positive Receptions

The evening concluded with an interactive Q&A session where participants actively exchanged views on clinical implementation, safety profiles, and potential future indications. The feedback from attending doctors was highly positive, reflecting strong interest and enthusiasm for RESTORE PLUS.

A Successful Milestone for Stellar Medical

The event marked an important milestone for Stellar Medical, reinforcing its commitment to supporting clinicians with high-quality, innovative solutions. RESTORE PLUS is set to play a significant role in shaping improved patient outcomes across Malaysia.

Inspiring CTO Workshop with Dr. Anek Kanoksilp: Advanced Complex PCI Training

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Posted in Workshop

A Remarkable CTO Workshop Experience by Dr. Anek Kanoksilp

It was an inspiring and educational day at the recent Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) Workshop led by renowned interventional cardiologist Dr. Anek Kanoksilp from Thailand. The workshop was chaired by Datuk Dr. Kumara, who facilitated the program and guided the discussions with exceptional insight.

The event focused on advanced percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques for managing complex CTO cases — a true highlight for all participating interventionalists. I was privileged to be one of the operators, learning directly from Dr. Anek’s vast experience and skillful approach.

Hands-On Learning with Three Complex CTO Cases

During the workshop, three challenging CTO cases were successfully performed. Each case showcased a different strategy and technique, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of real-world scenarios in CTO intervention.

Dr. Anek Kanoksilp

Dr. Anek demonstrated:

  • Strategic planning and wire escalation techniques
  • Retrograde approach and collateral channel selection
  • Microcatheter manipulation and device selection
  • Intravascular imaging guidance for optimal results

His step-by-step explanations and calm, methodical technique offered valuable lessons not only in technical execution but also in clinical decision-making and procedural efficiency.

Guidance and Mentorship from the Experts

Under the chairmanship of Datuk Dr. Kumara, the workshop was both well-structured and interactive. Discussions around case planning, device selection, and complication management were rich and insightful.

As one of the operators, I had the unique opportunity to perform alongside Dr. Anek, gaining firsthand experience in handling complex CTOs with precision and confidence. His willingness to teach, explain, and share tips made the learning experience deeply rewarding.

Key Takeaways

This workshop reinforced several critical principles of CTO PCI:

  • The importance of pre-procedural planning using detailed angiographic assessment.
  • Patience and persistence in wire crossing techniques.
  • The need for teamwork and communication during complex procedures.
  • The value of continuous learning from experienced operators and live demonstrations.

A Day of Learning, Sharing, and Inspiration

The CTO workshop was not only a platform for skill enhancement but also a reminder of the collaborative spirit that drives interventional cardiology forward. Learning from Dr. Anek and under the leadership of Datuk Dr. Kumara was an honor — and a motivation to continue refining our expertise for better patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Workshops like this serve as a cornerstone for the continuous growth of interventional cardiologists. The hands-on training, expert mentorship, and exchange of experience are invaluable in mastering complex PCI techniques.

A heartfelt thank you to Teleflex team, Dr. Anek Kanoksilp, Datuk Dr. Kumara, and all who made this learning experience possible. It was truly a day of growth, collaboration, and inspiration.

Key Takeaways from the IJN Heart Interchange 2025 on Heart & Kidney Care

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Posted in Conference

The IJN Heart Interchange 2025, held successfully on October 11, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur, served as a vital platform for advancing cardiometabolic and renal care in Malaysia. Organized by Boehringer Ingelheim in collaboration with the National Heart Institute (IJN), the event fostered a meaningful dialogue between primary care physicians and tertiary specialists.

IJN Heart Interchange 2025

For those who attended, it was an day of rich learning. For those who couldn’t, here’s a recap of the groundbreaking discussions that took place.

A Deep Dive on Heart and Kidney Interplay

I was honored to contribute to the discourse in the Tertiary Hospital breakout room with my session, “HF and CKD, Are They A Double Threat?”. We delved into the complex bidirectional relationship where Heart Failure (HF) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) exacerbate each other, creating significant clinical challenges. The session focused on practical, evidence-based strategies for managing this high-risk patient population, a topic that resonated deeply with the attendees.

A Gathering of Medical Minds

The symposium was packed with insightful presentations from the nation’s leading experts:

  • Rethinking CKM Management: Prof. Dr. Lim Lee Ling set the stage by re-evaluating the roadmap for Cardiometabolic Kidney disease.
  • Initiating Heart Failure Conversations: Dr. Teoh Chee Kiang provided crucial frameworks for kickstarting early and effective dialogues on Heart Failure.
  • Spotlight on CKD: Prof. Dr. Lim Soo Kun brought CKD into sharp focus, emphasizing its central role in cardiovascular health.
  • Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Dato’ Sri Dr. Azhari Rosman highlighted forward-thinking strategies for risk reduction clinics.

The parallel breakout sessions further enriched the experience, featuring real-world case presentations on diabetes, hypertension, and early detection of heart failure, all culminating in dynamic panel discussions like the “Heart to Heart Talk.”

While the 2025 event has concluded, the knowledge shared and connections forged continue to impact patient care. The commitment shown by all participants underscores a collective drive toward excellence in managing heart and kidney diseases in Malaysia.

We extend our gratitude to all the speakers, chairs, and attendees for making the IJN Heart Interchange 2025 a resounding success.

Mastering Complex CTO Techniques: Dr. Yoshihisa Kinoshita Advanced CTO Workshop at IJN

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Posted in Workshop

The National Heart Institute (IJN) recently hosted an exclusive Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) Workshop on 14 October 2025 led by renowned Japanese interventional cardiologist Dr. Yoshihisa Kinoshita, a master in complex coronary interventions and retrograde CTO techniques. Dr. Kinoshita, well-known across Asia for his precision and teaching in advanced CTO strategies, shared his expertise through a series of challenging live cases and interactive discussions.

Yoshihisa Kinoshita

From Left: Dr Ariff, Dr Yoshihisa Kinoshita, Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi, Datuk Dr Kumara, Dr Hafidz

During the workshop, two complex CTO cases were performed, showcasing a variety of sophisticated techniques and decision-making approaches. Both cases demanded a high level of wire control and strategic planning, emphasizing the importance of microcatheter support and lesion assessment in successful recanalization.

In addition, two retrograde CTO cases demonstrated the power of Reverse CART (Controlled Antegrade and Retrograde Tracking) — a hallmark of Dr. Kinoshita’s approach — enabling safe and effective crossing in difficult anatomies. He also introduced the use of the Gaia NEXT 4 wire, highlighting its enhanced torque response and penetration capability for resistant lesions.

The workshop provided an invaluable hands-on learning experience for interventional cardiologists, deepening understanding of wire escalation, retrograde strategy, and complication management in CTO PCI. Dr. Kinoshita’s precise technique and clear explanations once again reaffirmed his reputation as a leading educator in the field of complex coronary intervention.

SeQuent Please NEO IJN Fellowship Training 2025: Advancing DCB PCI with Global Experts at Alila Bangsar

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Posted in Workshop

The SeQuent Please NEO IJN Fellowship Training 2025 was successfully held on 4th October 2025 at Alila Bangsar Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. This exclusive fellowship program brought together leading interventional cardiologists from Malaysia and abroad to share the latest updates, practical techniques, and clinical insights on Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) angioplasty in complex coronary interventions.

SeQuent Please NEO

The training was chaired by Dato’ Sri Dr. Azmee Ghazi, Dato’ Sri Dr. Azhari Rosman, and Datuk Dr. Ahmad Khairuddin, with a distinguished international faculty including Dr. Tuomas Rissanen (Finland) and top Malaysian experts. (SeQuent Please NEO)

Highlights of the program included:

  • Latest updates from the 2nd Asia Pacific DCB Consensus (Dato’ Dr. Amin Ariff)
  • Global perspective on DCB adoption and practice in Finland (Dr. Tuomas Rissanen)
  • Lesion selection strategies: Go-to zones vs. no-go zones (Dr. Ganapathi Palaniappan)
  • Challenging case-based discussions on long diffuse lesions, calcified lesions, and bifurcation PCI (Dr. Mohd Tawfeq Mohd Noor, Dr. Lim Yuen Han, Dr. Fa’iz Mashood)
  • Management of coronary dissections and decision-making presented by Dr. Lim Wei Juan

The interactive sessions allowed participants to engage directly with experts, reviewing real-world cases on “DCB PCI: Not Always a Bed of Roses” and discussing valuable take-home strategies for building confidence in DCB practice.

The event concluded with Dr. Tuomas Rissanen sharing his insights on “The Future of Coronary Intervention – Where Do We Go From Here?”, followed by a faculty commentary on confidently expanding DCB adoption in daily practice.

This fellowship underscored the commitment of the National Heart Institute (IJN) and SeQuent Please NEO in advancing education, training, and innovation in interventional cardiology, empowering physicians with the skills and confidence to deliver better patient outcomes.