Blog Updates - Dr Lim Wei Juan

BIG Pharmacy and Pfizer Host Educational Webinar on Apixaban

BIG Pharmacy, in collaboration with Pfizer Malaysia, successfully organized an engaging webinar on Apixaban, attracting over 100 participants from across the healthcare community. The session focused on advancing knowledge in stroke prevention for atrial fibrillation (AF) and the expanding role of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Addressing Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, associated with a five-fold increase in stroke risk. Early diagnosis and effective anticoagulation are essential in reducing complications. The webinar provided updates on clinical guidelines, real-world data, and best practices for managing AF patients.

Why Apixaban?

Speakers highlighted the clinical benefits of Apixaban, a direct Factor Xa inhibitor, widely recognized as a preferred DOAC for AF and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Key points included:

Proven Efficacy: Superior protection against stroke and systemic embolism compared to warfarin.
Lower Bleeding Risk: Favorable safety profile, especially in elderly and chronic kidney disease patients.
Patient Convenience: Fixed dosing without the need for routine INR monitoring.

Empowering Pharmacists and Healthcare Professionals

The webinar emphasized the role of pharmacists in ensuring treatment success:

Educating patients on medication adherence and correct dosing.
Identifying drug interactions and monitoring renal function.
Supporting lifestyle modifications to optimize long-term outcomes.

Strong Engagement and Knowledge Sharing

With more than 100 participants, the interactive session showcased the enthusiasm of pharmacists, doctors, and healthcare providers in expanding their clinical knowledge. The Q&A segment allowed participants to clarify practical challenges and share real-world experiences.

BIG Pharmacy’s Commitment to Education

This event reflects BIG Pharmacy’s dedication to continuous professional development (CPD) and its mission to support healthcare providers with the latest evidence-based updates. Partnering with global leaders like Pfizer ensures that the pharmacy community is well-equipped to deliver better patient care.

Conclusion

The Apixaban webinar by BIG Pharmacy and Pfizer was a resounding success, enriching participants’ understanding of anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation and VTE. With strong participation and expert insights, the event reinforced the importance of ongoing education in improving cardiovascular outcomes.

Advancing Complex PCI: CTO Workshop with Dr Alan Chan at IJN

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Workshop

The Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) Workshop held at the National Heart Institute (IJN) brought together interventional cardiologists to learn advanced techniques in complex coronary interventions. The workshop, chaired by Datuk Dr Kumara, featured Dr Alan Chan, a renowned interventional cardiologist from Hong Kong, who demonstrated the latest strategies in CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

About Dr Alan Chan

Dr Alan Chan obtained his medical degree from the University of Hong Kong in 2002. After his residency at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, HKSAR, he achieved MRCP (UK) in 2005 and completed his cardiology training in 2006. By 2009, he was awarded FHKCP and FHKAM, establishing himself as a specialist in both cardiology and internal medicine.

In 2012, Dr Alan Chan received the Hong Kong Heart Foundation Scholarship, allowing him to further refine his expertise in advanced interventional cardiology during a fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA. Currently a full-time cardiologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, he is recognized for his special interest in complex PCI, primary angioplasty (primary PCI), and intracoronary imaging.

Live CTO Case Demonstrations

The workshop featured three highly educational CTO cases that highlighted advanced procedural strategies and the importance of imaging and support techniques in achieving success:

Case 1: CTO LAD

Parallel wiring technique successfully used for crossing the lesion.
IVUS-guided ostial LAD stenting ensured precise stent placement and optimal results.

Case 2: CTO RCA

Demonstrated the importance of strong guide catheter support.
The balloon-anchored technique was utilized to facilitate device delivery across the occlusion.

Case 3: Complex CTO Case Discussion

Additional focus on decision-making strategies, case selection, and integrating intravascular imaging to improve outcomes in difficult CTO interventions.

Key Learning Points

Parallel wiring and advanced crossing strategies remain essential in LAD CTO interventions.
Guide support and anchoring techniques are critical for RCA CTO success.
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) plays a pivotal role in guiding stent optimization and reducing complications.
Complex PCI requires a combination of technical skill, imaging expertise, and strategic case planning.

Conclusion

The CTO Workshop with Dr Alan Chan provided valuable insights into tackling complex coronary occlusions with precision and safety. By sharing his vast experience and demonstrating advanced techniques, Dr Alan Chan empowered participants to enhance their practice in the evolving field of interventional cardiology.

Workshops like these reaffirm IJN’s commitment to continuous education and innovation in cardiovascular medicine, ensuring that patients with the most challenging coronary disease can benefit from the latest advancements in PCI.

Empowering Heart Health – IJN PharmaVia Symposium with Viatris in Johor Bahru

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Drug Talk

On 16th August 2025, I had the privilege of speaking at the IJN PharmaVia Healthy Conversations Symposium – Southern Circuit, proudly held at the Renaissance Hotel Johor Bahru and broadcasted live to over 200 virtual attendees via Zoom.

This insightful symposium, organized in collaboration with Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), IJN First Pharmacy, and Viatris, brought together over 60 healthcare professionals on-site to engage in meaningful dialogue around cardiovascular and metabolic health challenges.

As a featured speaker, I delivered a session titled:

🔬 Know the SWEET Spot for the Heart

In this talk, I discussed the intricate link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, exploring strategies to optimize heart health in patients with metabolic disorders. Prevention, patient education, and multi-disciplinary collaboration were key themes.

🔎 Symposium Highlights:

Dr. Afif Ashari opened the forum with a talk on the growing burden of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Jessie Teo Yeh Lin shared insights into diabetic neuropathy pain management.
Dr. Lee Wei Liang tackled the challenge of managing blood pressure fluctuations.
Dr. Low Ming Yoong addressed hypercholesterolemia in clinical practice.
RPh. Lim En Ni emphasized pharmacist-patient communication for heart health.

The event also featured two dynamic forum discussions moderated by leading experts, providing both physician and pharmacist perspectives on patient care.

📈 Why This Matters:

Events like IJN PharmaVia are essential platforms for knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and empowering pharmacists and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions for better patient outcomes.

As we face rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, forums like this play a critical role in strengthening Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem—both in the clinic and the community.

💬 Thank you to all participants, both in-person and virtual, for making this symposium a resounding success. Let’s continue advancing heart health—together.

The real slim shady!

Glad to be back to Johor Bahru, my hometown for this health talk with my IJN colleagues! Hope more to come soon in future!

Mastering CTO PCI: A Day of Three RCA Cases with Dr Lee Hsin Fu at IJN

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Workshop

Datuk Dr Kumara, Consultant Cardiologist from National Heart Institute (IJN), Malaysia recently hosted a dedicated CTO workshop led by renowned interventional cardiologist Dr Lee Hsin Fu from Taiwan, showcasing real-time expertise, strategy refinement, and advanced techniques in chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI.

This full-day educational event focused on three complex RCA (right coronary artery) CTO cases, attracting fellows, cardiologists, and interventionists eager to sharpen their skills in tackling one of interventional cardiology’s toughest challenges.

Case 1: Reverse CART Success

The first live case demonstrated the effectiveness of the reverse Controlled Antegrade and Retrograde Tracking (reverse CART) technique. Meticulous planning and precision led to successful recanalization of the RCA CTO, highlighting the importance of controlled subintimal dissection and re-entry.

Case 2: From Gaia 3rd to Retrograde Knuckle Wiring

This challenging second case began with antegrade wiring using a Gaia 3rd, which navigated to the right ventricular (RV) branch. The team then switched to a Sasuke microcatheter, but antegrade attempts failed to penetrate the hard mid-RCA CTO cap.
A direct retrograde approach was attempted but resulted in a vessel perforation. Undeterred, Dr Lee Hsin Fu adapted by employing a retrograde knuckle wire technique, followed by antegrade re-entry and reverse CART, ultimately achieving procedural success.

This case illustrated the importance of flexibility, technique mastery, and managing complications in complex CTO PCI.

Case 3: Septal Surfing to Success

In the final case, only one visible apical epicardial collateral was present — but it was not suitable for access. Despite initial failed attempts through three different selective septal branches, the team succeeded using a septal surfing technique, demonstrating creative retrograde channel navigation when conventional access options are limited.

Hands-On Learning with a Regional CTO Master

Dr Lee Hsin Fu’s live case commentary, troubleshooting insights, and dynamic teaching style offered participants valuable real-world pearls — from equipment selection to escalation strategy and bailout options. Each case reinforced different facets of contemporary CTO intervention, making it a high-impact workshop for all attendees.

Conclusion: IJN’s Commitment to Complex PCI Education

The CTO workshop at IJN with Dr Lee Hsin Fu reaffirmed the institute’s role as a regional leader in complex coronary interventions and advanced training. With growing demand for CTO PCI, such hands-on, case-based teaching is essential to elevate operator confidence and improve patient outcomes.

Jardiance Dinner Talk at Dancing Fish, Bangsar – An Engaging Evening with KKM Doctors

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Drug Talk

The recent Jardiance dinner talk at Dancing Fish, Bangsar Shopping Centre was an enriching evening filled with engaging discussions, excellent food, and meaningful professional connections. Hosted for KKM doctors, the event spotlighted the evolving role of SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly Jardiance (empagliflozin), in managing heart failure and type 2 diabetes.

Evidence-Based Updates in Cardiometabolic Care

The highlight of the evening was a concise yet impactful clinical talk by an expert speaker, who shared the latest real-world data and trial evidence supporting the use of Jardiance across a spectrum of cardiometabolic conditions. From reduced hospitalizations in heart failure to renal protection in diabetic patients, the presentation underscored Jardiance’s expanding therapeutic role, well-aligned with current KKM guidelines and international best practices. (Dancing Fish, Bangsar)

Appreciation to Healthcare Heroes

The evening was also a celebration of the commitment and resilience of KKM frontline clinicians, who continue to play a crucial role in delivering quality patient care. It was a rare chance to unwind, network, and exchange experiences beyond hospital walls.

Dining Experience at Dancing Fish

Set against the elegant backdrop of Dancing Fish, Bangsar restaurant, attendees enjoyed a sumptuous spread of authentic Indo-Malay cuisine. The carefully curated menu and warm ambience made for an unforgettable dinner experience, perfectly complementing the professional content of the evening.

Conclusion

As the night drew to a close, the event left a lasting impression — not just of Jardiance’s clinical value, but also of the power of shared learning, collaboration, and a great meal. We thank all KKM doctors for their participation and dedication, and look forward to more knowledge-sharing events in the near future.

Basic TAVI Workshop at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok: Advancing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Slider, Workshop

The Basic TAVI Workshop held at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, was a landmark educational event that brought together emerging cardiovascular specialists across ASEAN to deepen their understanding and technical proficiency in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). The workshop was expertly chaired by Dr. Nattawut, a renowned Thai interventional cardiologist and educator in structural heart interventions.

2 days 1 night at Millenium Hilton Hotel Bangkok.

World-Class Training in a Historic Institution

Siriraj Hospital, Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious teaching hospital, provided an excellent environment for hands-on learning. With its legacy of clinical excellence and cutting-edge facilities, the hospital hosted young cardiologists and trainees eager to refine their skills in the evolving field of structural heart disease.

Comprehensive Curriculum: From Basics to Bedside

The Basic TAVI Workshop focused on a structured, practical curriculum that included:

Pathophysiology and Patient Selection for severe aortic stenosis
CT Planning and Valve Sizing
Device Types and Access Routes
Step-by-Step TAVI Procedure
Complication Management
Live Case Demonstrations and simulation-based training

Participants had the opportunity to observe real-time transcatheter valve deployment and interact directly with experienced faculty members during debriefing sessions.

Mentorship by Dr. Nattawut and Structural Heart Experts

Dr. Nattawut’s leadership was pivotal in creating an engaging, learner-centered environment. His clear teaching style, rich procedural experience, and commitment to nurturing regional talent made the workshop especially impactful.

His message was clear: “TAVI is no longer the future—it’s the present. Mastering the basics ensures safer outcomes and stronger collaboration across ASEAN.”

Bangkok Hospitality Meets High-Tech Learning

The charm of Bangkok added a unique flavor to the event. From authentic Thai cuisine to riverside evening walks near the Chao Phraya River, participants enjoyed a balance of professional growth and cultural enrichment.

With Dr Nattawut & Dr Narathip from Siriraj Hospital Bankok and 2 Vietnam consultant cardiologists, 1 Taipei Consultant Cardiologist standing beside me! 2 medical student from UM on right side (Black scrubs)

Conclusion

The Basic TAVI Workshop at Siriraj Hospital, chaired by Dr. Nattawut, stands as a model for how focused, regional training can elevate cardiovascular care across borders. As TAVI becomes increasingly accessible throughout Southeast Asia, foundational workshops like this ensure that quality and safety remain at the core of its expansion.

Lunch at IconSiam Bangkok.

AFCC 2025 in Penang: A Heartfelt Reunion of Knowledge, Friendships & Flavours

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Posted in Conference, Slider

The ASEAN Federation of Cardiology Congress AFCC 2025 held in Penang, Malaysia was nothing short of extraordinary — a beautiful blend of cutting-edge cardiovascular science, warm friendships, and irresistible local cuisine. (AFCC 2025)

With Dato Dr Amin Ariff, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahaya, CCO IJN, Dr David Yong Consultant Cardiologist from Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur!

Held at the heart of this vibrant island, AFCC 2025 attracted leading cardiologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the ASEAN region and beyond. The conference featured world-class lectures, engaging panel discussions, and insightful workshops, reinforcing AFCC’s reputation as the premier cardiovascular event in Southeast Asia.

Strengthening Bonds and Building Networks

Beyond the lectures, AFCC 2025 was a wonderful reunion of old friends and colleagues. Whether reconnecting during sessions or over coffee breaks, the atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and shared passion for improving heart health. The spirit of regional collaboration was palpable — a reminder that medicine is not just science, but also community.

Thanks to Norvatis for Thursday dinner and Novo Nordisk for evening tea!

Thanks to Servier – A Valued Partner

A heartfelt thank you to Servier for their generous sponsorship and continued commitment to cardiovascular education and patient care. Their support made this congress more impactful and allowed participants to access high-quality content and experiences. Stayed at Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel for 3 nights!

Great catchup with ex-HSAJB friends, Dr Neerusha echocardiologist, Dr Ng Wee Pang & Dr Kenneth future EP, Dr Hazureen from cardio HSAJB!

Honored to share 2 e-poster from Dr Naemah from UiTM & Dr Azlan Shah Atan from IJN!

Penang – A Feast for the Heart and the Senses

Of course, no event in Penang is complete without its legendary street food. From char koay teow to Penang laksa and cendol, delegates savoured the island’s rich culinary heritage in between sessions. The mix of tradition, flavour, and hospitality truly made AFCC 2025 a unique cultural and scientific experience.

Looking Ahead

As AFCC 2025 comes to a close, we leave with full minds, fuller hearts, and perhaps slightly fuller stomachs too! The friendships rekindled, knowledge gained, and memories made will carry us forward in our mission to deliver better cardiovascular care across ASEAN.

Great catchup with friends at Dr Lee Tjen Jhung house at Penang!