Complex coronary intervention continues to evolve, with Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) representing one of the most technically demanding areas of interventional cardiology. Dr Wasan Udayachalerm
The CTO Workshop featuring Dr Wasan Udayachalerm, an experienced interventional cardiologist from Thailand, was a valuable opportunity for clinical learning, procedural discussion, and professional collaboration in complex coronary intervention on 17/10/2026 at Johor Specialist Hospital.
The workshop featured two CTO PCI cases, with one performed by Dr Ngim and another by Dr Lim Wei Juan, providing an educational platform to share procedural experience and discuss strategies for managing challenging coronary occlusions.
Learning from an Experienced Interventional Cardiologist
Dr Wasan Udayachalerm is an interventional cardiologist from Thailand with expertise in cardiac catheter-based procedures. His professional background includes interventional cardiology training at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
His participation in the workshop provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and discussion on contemporary approaches to CTO PCI, a procedure that requires detailed angiographic assessment, careful procedural planning, appropriate equipment selection, and sound clinical judgment.
Two CTO PCI Cases: Sharing Experience and Expertise
The workshop featured two CTO PCI cases, highlighting the importance of a systematic approach to complex coronary revascularisation.
Case 1: CTO PCI by Dr Ngim
Dr Ngim performed the first case, providing an opportunity to discuss the challenges of CTO intervention and the procedural considerations involved in treating a chronically occluded coronary artery. Total 7 hours!!
Case 2: CTO PCI by Dr Lim Wei Juan
The second case was performed by Dr Lim Wei Juan, focusing on the planning and technical considerations involved in CTO PCI. The case contributed to the workshop’s learning objectives through procedural experience and discussion of strategies for complex coronary intervention. As Dr Wasan has to leave to Singapore to catch his flight back to Bangkok, Dr Lim has to perform the CTO PCI himself.
Both cases reinforced the importance of individualised treatment planning, technical precision, and collaborative decision-making in CTO PCI.
Ostial LAD CTO on left picture (Blue arrow) then after opening up the 100% blockages picture on the right
Strengthening CTO PCI Expertise in Malaysia
Workshops featuring experienced interventional cardiologists play an important role in advancing local expertise in complex PCI. They provide opportunities to exchange knowledge, discuss challenging cases, and improve familiarity with contemporary procedural strategies.
Beyond the technical aspects of intervention, these educational sessions encourage collaboration and continuous professional development, with the ultimate goal of delivering high-quality care to patients with complex coronary artery disease.
Continuing the Journey in Complex Coronary Intervention
The CTO PCI Workshop with Dr Wasan Udayachalerm from Thailand, featuring cases performed by Dr Ngim and Dr Lim Wei Juan, represents a meaningful opportunity for professional development and collaboration in interventional cardiology.
Through continued learning, clinical discussion, and international knowledge exchange, interventional cardiologists can continue to refine their skills and advance the practice of complex coronary intervention.