In a landmark medical advancement for the region, Kuwait’s Chest Diseases Hospital has successfully performed a pioneering cardiac procedure on two patients with intractable angina pectoris. The hospital is now the first in the Middle East to implant cardiac stents via the jugular vein. The procedure was carried out using an advanced catheterization technique.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Enezi, Head of the Cardiology Department, announced that he and Dr. Khaled Al-Marri, Head of the Cardiac Catheterization Unit, jointly conducted the procedures. The innovative method involves inserting a catheter through the neck’s jugular vein to deliver a stent into the cardiac vein. This significantly improves blood flow to the heart muscle. It also provides symptom relief for patients with severe angina.
Both patients had previously undergone multiple interventions—including open-heart surgery and traditional catheterizations. However, they continued to suffer from debilitating chest pain. This new technique offers hope for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.
“This achievement marks a major advancement in our ability to treat complex cardiac cases and enhances Kuwait’s standing in global cardiovascular care,” he stated.
Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of angina, is a leading cause of death globally and in Kuwait. It is commonly treated through medication, interventional catheterization, or surgery. However, for patients with chronic and treatment-resistant symptoms, this breakthrough offers a new and less invasive path to recovery.
With this milestone, Chest Diseases Hospital cements its position as a leader in cardiovascular innovation in the Middle East.
