Nawaloka Hospital has completed 15,000 heart surgeries, marking a milestone as a pioneer in cardiac care.
Nawaloka Hospitals held a ceremony at its premises recently to mark the achievement. Nawaloka Holdings Chairman Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa, Deputy Chairman Anisha Dharmadasa, DGM Prof. Lal Chandrasena and Directress Givanthi Dharmadasa and over 50 thoracic surgeon consultants and cardiologist consultants past and present who have made a significant contribution to the unit were present at the ceremony.
Over the course of several decades, Nawaloka has accomplished numerous milestones. These include conducting the country’s first Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) procedure in August 1994, introducing the first Radial Artery Grafting in 1999, and successfully performing the inaugural Re-do CABG and Off-Pump Total Arterial Revascularisation in the same year. In 2000, the hospital achieved the first-ever Open Endarterectomy with Vein Patch.
Nawaloka made advancements with breakthrough procedures such as the pioneering MIDCAB and Multi Vessel MIDCAB surgeries, as well as the first Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula treatment in the right lung and the inaugural Keyhole ASD surgery.
Last year, they performed the first Hybrid Bypass in the private sector. Nawaloka collaborated with the Madras Medical Mission to offer open heart surgeries free to 18 underprivileged children through the Children’s Heart Project, an initiative promoted by Dr. P.N. Thenabadu.
They also achieved a milestone of successfully operating on a premature baby while still in the incubator, performing the first-ever ligation of a persistent ductus arteriosus.
Within 30 years of operation, Nawaloka Hospital’s relentless pursuit of excellence in cardiac care has been made possible by its continuous investment in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure. Nawaloka has successfully performed a diverse range of heart surgeries, including complex procedures such as bypass surgeries, valve replacements, and minimally invasive interventions.
Nawaloka Hospitals has two dedicated cardiac angiography units, six echocardiography machines, 11 bed CICU, three-bed HDU, two dedicated cardiac OTs with a dedicated anaesthesia room, two heart-lung machines/heater coolers, four balloon pumps, 10 Consultation chambers for cardiac requirement and ACT Machines, a company spokesman said.