Blog Updates - Dr Lim Wei Juan

IJN Farewell Lunch/Dinner

IJN Farewell

In the blink of an eye, five meaningful years have passed since I began my journey in Kuala Lumpur.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the pharmaceutical and medical device partners who have supported me throughout my time at IJN. Your trust, collaboration, and friendship have meant more than words can express.

These farewell lunches and dinners are not just memories of meals shared, but moments of camaraderie, support, and mutual respect that I will always cherish.

Thank you for being part of my journey. The memories will stay with me wherever I go.

19 November with Viatris/Pfizer at Light Capture Cafe

With Irene from Pfizer & Pei Chuan from Viatris

With Hailey, Pei chuan & Irene

7 December with Stellar Medical at Oversea Seafood KL

Thanks to Esther & Renee with special guest Dr David Yong from Gleneagles KL

Hidup Mati IJN!!

8 December with IJN ICL staffs

Celebrated together with 2025 MHRS Champion!! Kudos to Dr Azlan Shah, Dr Caylie Ong, Dr Faisal for the great work!! Not to forget the sifu Datuk Dr Azlan, Dr Surinder, Dr Suraya Hani & Dr Low MY!!

Thanks to Dato Dr Amin, Datuk Dr Azlan, Dr Teoh CK, Dr Suraya for joining in!

9 December with Ikhsan/Terumo at Ozeki Japanese Restaurant TA One

With Charlotte Chua & Jennifer Pang

The KLCC view at rooftop

10 December with iVascular at Gai by Darren Chin

With Brenda & Joevy Lee

10 December with IJN cardio doctors at Khan’s Indian Cuisine The Sphere

From left Dr Faisal, Dr Faiz, Dr Jassie Teo, Dr Lim YH, Dr Teh KC, Dr Suraya, Dr Daniel Eng, Dr Hisham, Dr Addi, Dr Leong

Thanks BOSS for the BOSS gift!

11 December with Menarini at Fong Lye Tea House TRX

With Dr Low Ming Yoong, Carol Lee & Wendy

11 December with BI/OrbusNeich at Kimiya TRX

Supposed to go TRX but case ended very very late.. ended makan at office only. Dr Rhuban (CVSKL soon), Janice from Orbus, Derrick Yeoh, Pao Jia, Ashley Ang, Dr Lee WL (Gleneagles KL soon), Dr Beh TY (Prince Court soon), Dr Faten Aqilah (Island soon)

12 December with IJN Intervention Team at The Qing Bamboo Hills

With Datuk Dr Shaiful & Datuk Dr Kumara, both my bosses in intervention team

With Dr Tey YS, Dr Sharimila, Dr Beh TY, Dr Ahmed, Dr Ariff, Dr Ikhsan, Dr Faten, Dr Lim YH

13 December breakfast at Titiwangsa Wang Kopitiam

One last breakfast at “Wanton Mee under the tree” 大树下，没有很油啦~

Always come around 7.30am haha

14 December at PineYard

With Dr Naemah, ex-HSAJB HO/MO, now doing her master at UiTM, another future IJN cardio fellow as well!

17 December with Biosensor at If Only Restaurant KL

With Christine Yong (Country Manager) & Amy Lai (Regional Manager)

17 December with Abbott

With Grace Ng at Obriens IJN

With Belle Wee

18 December with AZ at Sun & Moon Cafe

With Li Yan, Samanthee Choong & Jocelyn Ho

18 December with Boston Scientific at Lai Po Heen Mandarin Oriental KL

With Triora & Suet Mun

19 December with BI

With Ashley Ang & Dr Faten

Last KLCC night view

Last KL Tower night view

IJN Farewell

The last night view of IJN from my AirBnb at Espressionz Kuala Lumpur

JSH Heart & Lung Excellence Centre

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Misc, Slider

Johor Specialist Hospital (JSH), the very first hospital established under the KPJ Healthcare group, has reached another major milestone with the official launch of its Heart & Lung Excellence Centre on 1st December. This pioneering initiative makes JSH the first KPJ hospital to offer a dedicated centre focused on comprehensive cardiovascular and respiratory care.

A Centre Built on Specialist Expertise

The new Heart & Lung Excellence Centre brings together an exceptional multidisciplinary team of specialists committed to delivering top-tier patient care.

Consultant Cardiologists

Dr. Ngim Chin Aik
Dr. Mohd Shahrom Ujang
Dr. Subramaniam Raman
Dr. Benjamin Leo Cheang Leng

Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Dr. Syed Mohd Adeeb Syed Jalaludin
Dr. Syed Rasul Syed Hamid

Consultant Respiratory Physicians

Dr. Muhammad Redzwan S. Rashid Ali
Dr. Kuan Yeh Chunn

Advancing Heart & Lung Care in Johor

With state-of-the-art facilities and an experienced specialist team, the Heart & Lung Excellence Centre is designed to provide comprehensive services that range from diagnostics and interventional cardiology to cardiothoracic surgery and respiratory medicine.

This launch strengthens JSH’s role as a leader in tertiary healthcare, ensuring patients in Johor and neighbouring regions have access to high-quality, integrated heart and lung services closer to home.

A Proud Moment for KPJ Healthcare

As the first hospital under the KPJ group, JSH continues to lead with innovation and excellence. The establishment of this centre reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing medical care and improving patient outcomes.

Dr Zul Hilmi Cardiologist from KPJ Tawakkal Specialist Hospital, Dr Shahidi Jamaludin Cardiologist from KPJ Pasir Gudang, Dr Muhammad Redzwan S. Rashid Ali Respiratory Physician from JSH,

Glad to be part of this team! Soon to join them in 2026!

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

omegakimia@yahoo.com

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.

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

omegakimia@yahoo.com

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.

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

omegakimia@yahoo.com

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.

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 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.

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.