Blog Updates - Dr Lim Wei Juan

Mastering Complex CTO Techniques: Dr Koshi Matsuo, Japan’s Leading Sensei in Interventional Cardiology

In the ever-evolving field of interventional cardiology, few names command the global respect that Dr Koshi Matsuo does. Known for his mastery in chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions, Dr Matsuo brought his legendary precision and teaching philosophy to our recent CTO workshop — a hands-on, high-impact learning experience that left everyone inspired and elevated.

A Rare Opportunity to Learn from a Japanese Maestro

Hailing from Japan, a country renowned for its meticulous and innovative approach to CTO PCI, Dr Koshi Matsuo is more than just an expert — he’s a sensei, a teacher who imparts not just skills but wisdom. His calm demeanor, structured techniques, and deep understanding of complex anatomy were on full display throughout the workshop.

3 participants from UKM, Dr Kogulakrishnan from Columbia Asia Klang and Dr Dhani from Hospital Kuantan were treated to a blend of theory, live case demonstrations, and case-based discussions. Dr Matsuo’s step-by-step explanations made even the most daunting lesions approachable.

Key Highlights from the Workshop

Live CTO PCI Demonstrations: Dr Matsuo performed live cases showcasing both antegrade and retrograde approaches. His mastery of wire techniques, microcatheter handling, and dissection-reentry strategies provided practical insights that textbooks often miss.
The Japanese Way: Emphasis was placed on wire escalation protocols, the importance of tactile feedback, and micro-movements — hallmarks of the Japanese technique that can dramatically improve procedural success and safety.

More Than Just Techniques: A Philosophy of Patience and Precision

What set this workshop apart wasn’t just the technical content — it was Dr Matsuo’s emphasis on the mindset behind a successful CTO intervention. He reminded everyone that CTO PCI is not a race, but a discipline of patience, planning, and persistent learning.

Managed to do 2 CTO cases with sensei, 1st case was an adhoc CTO RCA, successful crossed with Gaia 2nd, full DCB from ostial to distal RCA. 2nd case was CTO proximal LAD with bridging collaterals, crossed with parallel wiring technique using Sasuke dual lumen catheter, also DCB!

Final Thoughts

This workshop was a rare privilege and a reminder of the importance of lifelong learning in interventional cardiology. We thank Dr Koshi Matsuo for sharing his time, expertise, and passion with us.

Thank you Boston Scientific for bringing Dr Koshi Matsuo from Japan to IJN!

Hong Kong Observership Program at Tuen Mun Hospital: Learn from Experts in Healthcare

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Slider, Workshop

The Hong Kong Observership Program at Tuen Mun Hospital offers a unique opportunity for medical professionals to expand their knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and explore the diverse healthcare landscape of Hong Kong. Located in the heart of one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, Tuen Mun Hospital provides a world-class learning environment, offering specialized insights across a variety of medical disciplines.

Tuen Mun Hospital with Dr Hyeon Jeong Kim from Korea!

Was honored to share a case with Dr Lam Ho from Tuen Mun Hospital & Dr Eric Eeckhout from University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

The other 2 participants are Dr Hyeon Jeong Kim from Busan Veterans Hospital, Korea and Dr Wu Pei-Hsi from Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. Both are their first time at Tuen Mun Hospital & Hong Kong!

What is the Hong Kong Observership Program?

An observership allows doctors to observe medical procedures, attend clinical rounds, and learn from some of the most experienced professionals in the field. The program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong’s medical practices, healthcare delivery, and patient care protocols at Tuen Mun Hospital.

Dr Eric Eeckhout shared a lot of interesting cases with us which he did previously at Swiss!

Why Choose Tuen Mun Hospital?

Tuen Mun Hospital, one of Hong Kong’s largest and most advanced hospitals, is known for its cutting-edge medical technology and innovative treatments. The hospital has a diverse range of specialties, including cardiology, surgery, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. By participating in the observership program, you’ll gain exposure to these specialties and learn from the best in the industry.

The hospital’s commitment to medical education and research ensures that participants have access to a wealth of resources, including experienced mentors, state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to interact with professionals from various healthcare backgrounds.

Saw PanoVision which incorporated IVUS & OCT into a single system, meaning you take a shot and can see OCT & IVUS images together! From China!

Seafood lunch at Hot Tin Garden Restaurant at Tuen Mun! Met with Dr Chow Han Bing, Malaysia interventional cardiology fellow from Sarawak Heart Center doing his fellowship there!

What Can You Expect from the Program?

As an observer, you will have the chance to:

Participate in daily clinical rounds with healthcare teams.
Observe complex angioplasty or structural heart diseases procedures such as TAVI.
Attend seminars and lectures on relevant cardiology topics.
Gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare system in Hong Kong.
Build connections with medical professionals and peers from around the world.

The observership experience is invaluable for medical professionals who wish to enhance their clinical skills, broaden their perspectives, and build a global network.

With Dr Lam Ho & Dr Eric Eeckhout!

Conclusion

The Hong Kong Observership Program at Tuen Mun Hospital is a fantastic opportunity for healthcare professionals looking to expand their expertise in an international setting. Whether you’re looking to observe advanced medical practices, gain experience in specialized fields, or simply immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s dynamic healthcare system, this program provides the ideal platform for your growth. Take the next step in your medical career and apply today for a life-changing experience at Tuen Mun Hospital!

Managed to make a 1 day tour to Macau, took their TurboJet ferry to Macau from Hong Kong, 1 hour journey & fast custom clearance!

And took their bus back from Macau to Hong Kong as I wanted to experience their Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge!

Facts on the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB)

Overview: The longest sea-crossing bridge in the world, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau.
Total Length: 55 km (34 miles), including bridges, tunnels, and artificial islands.
Construction Period: 2009 – 2018 (opened on October 23, 2018).
Cost: Approximately US$18.8 billion (¥127 billion yuan).
Structure:
- Main Bridge: 29.6 km long.
- Undersea Tunnel: 6.7 km, built to allow ships to pass.
- Artificial Islands: Two man-made islands near the tunnel.
Purpose: Improve connectivity between the Greater Bay Area cities.
Travel Time Reduction:
- Hong Kong to Zhuhai/Macau: Cut from 4 hours to about 45 minutes.
Materials Used:
- 400,000 tonnes of steel (60x the Eiffel Tower).
Traffic Flow:
- Right-hand drive in Hong Kong & Macau.
- Left-hand drive in Zhuhai (China Mainland).
- Special road design for the transition.
Usage:
- Designed for cars, buses, and trucks (no pedestrians or bicycles).
Toll System:
- Electronic toll collection, different fees for vehicles.
Challenges:
- Delays, budget overruns, worker safety concerns.
Future Plans:
- Strengthen economic ties in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

HKStent: A Forum for Addressing Complications and Improving Care

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Conference, Slider

The HKStent Conference has established itself as a premier cardiology event, bringing together interventional cardiologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advancements in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A key highlight of the HKStent conference is the in-depth discussion on PCI complications, a critical area that impacts patient outcomes and clinical decision-making.

Glad to be able to join this year HKStent at Hong Kong Conference & Convention Center!

Day 1: Managed to try their local dim sum at one of the famous restaurant at Hong Kong! Followed by milk tea at 茶餐厅 (Local Tea Restaurant).

Followed by dinner at SKYE Roofbar & Brasserie with Dato Dr Azmee, Datuk Dr Kumara, Dato Dr Suneta & Dr Koh Hui Bing from IJN with Dr Choo Gim Hooi from CVSKL!

Understanding PCI Complications

PCI has revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease, yet complications remain a significant concern. The HKStent Conference provides a platform to examine these challenges through case studies, expert panel discussions, and the latest research findings.

With Gary Yap (Director of Marketing) & Ken Cheong (Area Business Manager) from Biotronik!

Day 2 is the conference day with learning on cardiogenic shock with Impella hands on workshop!

Great case sharing by Drs around the world on their best complication cases!

Dinner at Yung Kee restaurant with post dinner walk at Lan Kwai Fong street.

Some of the major PCI complications explored at the conference include:

Stent Thrombosis: Despite advancements in drug-eluting stents and antiplatelet therapy, stent thrombosis remains a life-threatening complication. Experts at HKStent discuss risk stratification, optimal medication strategies, and emerging technologies to mitigate this risk.
Coronary Perforation: A rare but serious complication, coronary perforation can lead to pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Attendees gain insights into preventive techniques, early detection strategies, and effective bailout procedures.
No-Reflow Phenomenon: The failure to restore adequate coronary blood flow post-PCI presents a major clinical challenge. The conference highlights cutting-edge approaches, including pharmacological and mechanical interventions, to manage and prevent this issue.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Contrast-induced nephropathy remains a concern in PCI, particularly for high-risk patients. HKStent sessions delve into strategies for contrast minimization, hydration protocols, and novel biomarkers for early detection of AKI.

Glad to share a case & went to hands on model on CTO wires & wiring techniques!

Key Takeaways and Future Directions

The HKStent Conference not only educates attendees on managing PCI complications but also fosters discussions on future innovations. Emerging trends such as bioresorbable scaffolds, intravascular imaging, and artificial intelligence-driven decision-making are explored as potential solutions to minimize complications and enhance patient safety.

As PCI continues to evolve, HKStent serves as an essential forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The insights gained from this conference help shape clinical practice, ensuring better outcomes for patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures.

Good night Hong Kong!

Mastering Complex PCI: Highlights from the Biosensor Workshop with Datuk Dr. Kumara

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Workshop

The recent Biosensor Complex PCI Workshop, hosted by the esteemed Datuk Dr. Kumara, brought together leading interventional cardiologists to share and enhance their expertise in managing complex coronary interventions. The Complex PCI workshop was attended by two notable participants: Dr. Kang from Penang Hospital and Dr. Christian Sunur from Indonesia.

The session focused on practical, hands-on cases that demonstrated advanced techniques and cutting-edge devices in the field of complex PCI.

Case Highlights

Atherectomy with Left Main PCI The first case showcased an atherectomy procedure combined with a challenging Left Main (LM) PCI. This case highlighted the importance of plaque modification in heavily calcified vessels and demonstrated how precise atherectomy can optimize outcomes in left main disease, particularly in complex anatomy where lesion preparation is crucial.
CTO LCX using SuperCross Microcatheter The second case tackled a Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) of the Left Circumflex artery (LCX). We utilized the SuperCross microcatheter, showcasing its versatility and torque response in navigating tortuous segments and facilitating wire escalation strategies. The successful recanalization underscored the device’s utility in tackling complex CTO scenarios.

Educational Impact

Throughout the workshop, Datuk Dr. Kumara emphasized the evolving role of adjunctive tools like atherectomy devices and specialized microcatheters in achieving optimal PCI outcomes. Both Dr. Kang and Dr. Christian actively engaged in the discussion, sharing insights from their respective practices in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The workshop concluded with an open Q&A session, where practical tips, complication management, and patient selection criteria were further explored.

Thanks for organizing this workshop!

Menarini Weil Hotel Ipoh: A Premier Event on Healthcare Advancements and Solutions

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Drug Talk

On a recent evening at the luxurious Weil Hotel in Ipoh, Menarini hosted an insightful event focused on crucial healthcare topics impacting patients with heart failure. Experts gathered to discuss the challenges and advancements in treating conditions like Chronic Coronary Syndrome (CCS), Atrial Fibrillation (AF), and iron deficiency in heart failure patients.

Chaired by Dr Chong Choon Hooi from Hospital Fatimah together with eminent consultant cardiologist Dr Chong Jen Lim, Dr Ng Theng Chun from KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, Dr Kwan Yew Fung from Sunway Ipoh, Dr Hazleena and Dr Ramachandran from Hospital Ipoh, organzied by Menarini.

The session shed light on the growing prevalence of these conditions and the significant role they play in complicating heart failure management. Specialists emphasized the importance of early detection and personalized treatment approaches for CCS and AF to improve patient outcomes.

Moreover, the impact of iron deficiency on heart failure patients was highlighted as a critical area requiring attention. Innovative therapies, such as iron supplementation, were discussed as vital components in managing heart failure more effectively.

The event provided an excellent platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and strategies to enhance the quality of care for heart failure patients, ultimately helping to improve their quality of life.

Thanks Menarini for the opportunity!

Revolutionizing Cardiac Imaging: OCT Ultreon 2.0

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Workshop

The field of interventional cardiology has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, and one of the most groundbreaking innovations is the introduction of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Ultreon 2.0. At the forefront of this transformative technology in Malaysia is Datuk Dr Kumara, a renowned cardiologist at the National Heart Institute (IJN). This cutting-edge imaging system is redefining how cardiologists diagnose and treat coronary artery disease, offering unparalleled precision and patient outcomes.

What is OCT Ultreon 2.0?

OCT Ultreon 2.0 is the latest evolution in intravascular imaging technology. It combines Optical Coherence Tomography with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to provide ultra-high-resolution, real-time images of coronary arteries. This system allows cardiologists to visualize the inner layers of blood vessels with incredible detail, enabling them to make more informed decisions during complex procedures like percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Key features of OCT Ultreon 2.0 include:

AI-powered lesion assessment: Automatically detects and analyzes plaque characteristics, such as calcification, lipid content, and fibrous tissue.
Stent optimization: Ensures precise stent placement and expansion, reducing the risk of complications like restenosis.
User-friendly interface: Simplifies image interpretation, making it accessible even for less experienced operators.
Enhanced workflow efficiency: Reduces procedure time while improving diagnostic accuracy.

Datuk Dr. Kumara’s Role in Pioneering OCT Ultreon 2.0 at IJN

As a leading interventional cardiologist at IJN, Datuk Dr. Kumara has been instrumental in bringing OCT Ultreon 2.0 to Malaysia. His expertise and commitment to advancing cardiac care have positioned IJN as a regional leader in adopting state-of-the-art technologies.

Under his guidance, IJN has successfully integrated OCT Ultreon 2.0 into its diagnostic and interventional workflows, significantly improving patient outcomes. Dr. Kumara emphasizes that this technology is a game-changer for treating complex coronary cases, particularly in patients with calcified lesions, and bifurcation lesions.

Benefits of OCT Ultreon 2.0 for Patients

The introduction of OCT Ultreon 2.0 at IJN has brought numerous benefits to patients, including:

Improved diagnostic accuracy: The high-resolution images allow for better identification of plaque morphology and vessel dimensions.
Personalized treatment plans: Cardiologists can tailor interventions based on precise imaging data, ensuring optimal results.
Reduced complications: Accurate stent placement minimizes the risk of stent thrombosis and restenosis.

A New Era in Cardiac Care

The adoption of OCT Ultreon 2.0 at IJN marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s healthcare landscape. With Datuk Dr. Kumara at the helm, IJN is setting new standards in interventional cardiology, ensuring that patients receive world-class care.

This technology not only enhances the capabilities of cardiologists but also empowers patients with safer, more effective treatment options. As OCT Ultreon 2.0 continues to gain traction globally, IJN’s leadership in this space underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in cardiac care.

Revolutionizing Cardiac Care: CID Bifurcation Workshop at IJN with Datuk Dr Kumara

omegakimia@yahoo.com

Posted in Workshop

The National Heart Institute (IJN) recently hosted an insightful workshop on bifurcation stenting, led by the renowned interventional cardiologist, Datuk Dr Kumara. The event brought together cardiologists and healthcare professionals to explore advanced techniques and strategies for managing complex coronary bifurcation lesions such as DK Crush.

Datuk Dr Kumara shared his expertise, highlighting innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes and procedural efficiency. Attendees gained hands-on experience and practical insights into the latest tools and technologies in interventional cardiology.

This workshop not only enhanced the skills of participating medical professionals but also reinforced IJN’s commitment to advancing cardiac care in Malaysia. Such initiatives are crucial in addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases and ensuring better care for patients nationwide.

Kudos to Datuk Dr Kumara and IJN for organizing this impactful event!