KPJ HEALTHCARE PERFORMS COMPLEX HIGH-RISK CORONARY PROCEDURE

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- The Johor Specialist Hospital (JSH), under KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KPJ Healthcare), has successfully performed a Complex High-Risk Indicated Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (CHIP PCI) procedure using Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) technology, strengthening its capability to manage complex coronary artery disease.

KPJ Healthcare said the procedure was performed at the hospital’s Heart and Lung Excellence Centre and involved the treatment of severe coronary artery disease with extensive calcium build-up.

It said that CHIP PCI cases are among the most technically demanding coronary procedures, typically involving patients with complex heart conditions and requiring advanced expertise, specialised technology and careful clinical judgement.

"Besides that, IVL technology uses controlled sonic pressure waves to break down hardened calcium within the coronary arteries, allowing doctors to treat complex blockages more safely and precisely before placing a stent.

"… this reduces the need for more aggressive techniques, particularly in patients with complex anatomy or previous stent placement," it said in a statement.

It added that the procedure was led by JSH consultant cardiologist Dr Mohd Shahrom Ujang, with structured proctorship support from Tawakkal Specialist Hospital consultant interventional cardiologist Dr Zul Hilmi Yaakob.

This consultant-level collaboration reflects the application of KPJ’s Academic Health System approach in practice, integrating clinical governance, mentoring and knowledge transfer to support patient safety while building sustainable local expertise.

Dr Mohd Shahrom said the delivery of complex coronary interventions, such as CHIP PCI, requires strong clinical oversight and team readiness.

“Through the Heart and Lung Excellence Centre, patients are able to access high-complexity cardiac care closer to home while maintaining clear standards of safety and clinical quality,” he said.

Meanwhile, KPJ Healthcare president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said the milestone reflects how the KPJ Health System is translating intent into real clinical capability.

“This case shows how we are building depth, not dependence. We are strengthening specialist expertise within our hospitals while keeping patient safety at the centre of care, through structured proctorship, clinical governance and shared standards.

"Under the KPJ Health System, complex procedures are no longer about where a patient is treated, but about ensuring consistent expertise, oversight and outcomes across the network. This is how we deliver advanced care, guided by our purpose of Care for Life,” he said.

The Heart and Lung Excellence Centre at JSH was launched in December 2025 to support consistent standards of care, clinical governance, education and research, while expanding access to advanced cardiac and respiratory treatment within the KPJ network.

KPJ Healthcare operates 30 hospitals across Malaysia and four Ambulatory Care Centres, serving about 3.3 million patients annually with 1,491 medical consultants.

-- BERNAMA