The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has successfully performed its first two Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (OPCAB) procedures, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s cardiovascular healthcare and expanding the country’s capacity to provide advanced heart surgery.
The pioneering operations, completed with the support of renowned Indian cardiac surgeon Dr. Shridhar Padagatti, introduce a sophisticated surgical technique that enables surgeons to perform coronary artery bypass operations on a beating heart without relying on a heart-lung machine.
“The advanced beating-heart bypass procedure at the National Cardiothoracic Centre marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s healthcare journey, strengthening our capacity to deliver world-class cardiovascular surgery while improving outcomes for patients.”
National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC)
The center said the procedure offers carefully selected patients the prospect of fewer complications, reduced surgical risks, and faster recovery compared to conventional bypass surgery.
The achievement represents a significant advancement in the National Cardiothoracic Centre’s coronary surgery programme and further strengthens Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s position as a leading referral centre for specialised cardiac care in Ghana and the West African sub-region.
According to the Centre, the successful surgeries reflect years of sustained investment in specialist training, multidisciplinary teamwork and modern cardiac care aimed at improving treatment outcomes for patients with complex heart diseases.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the Centre’s unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and the delivery of world-class cardiac care,”
National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC)
Landmark Achievement for Ghana’s Cardiac Surgery Programme
The successful introduction of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting represents an important milestone in the evolution of cardiac surgery in Ghana.
Unlike conventional coronary artery bypass surgery, which typically requires temporarily stopping the heart and using a heart-lung machine to maintain blood circulation, the OPCAB technique allows surgeons to perform the operation while the heart continues beating throughout the procedure.
NCTC noted that this approach can reduce complications associated with the heart-lung machine and may improve recovery for appropriately selected patients.
By successfully completing the first two procedures, the National Cardiothoracic Centre has expanded the range of specialised surgical services available to patients requiring coronary artery bypass surgery within the country.
The development is expected to reduce the need for some patients to seek advanced cardiac procedures abroad while improving access to highly specialised cardiovascular care locally.
International Collaboration Supports Medical Innovation
The landmark procedures were undertaken with the technical support and expertise of visiting Indian cardiac surgeon, Dr. Shridhar Padagatti, whose collaboration with the local surgical team facilitated the successful introduction of the advanced technique.
The Centre described the partnership as an example of the value of international collaboration in strengthening specialist healthcare services through skills transfer and professional exchange.
The Centre indicated that such collaborations contribute significantly to building local capacity by exposing Ghanaian specialists to emerging surgical techniques and global best practices.
“Continued partnerships with experienced international experts are essential to expanding Ghana’s capabilities in complex cardiac surgery, building local expertise, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care.”
National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC)
Leadership and Teamwork Drive Success
The achievement was realised under the leadership of the Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, whose administration has continued to prioritise innovation, clinical excellence and the expansion of specialised cardiovascular services.
The Centre attributed the successful surgeries to the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team comprising cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthetists, perfusionists, nurses and theatre personnel.
According to the Centre, the operations demonstrated the importance of teamwork in managing complex surgical procedures that require precision, specialised expertise and seamless coordination among healthcare professionals.
“This accomplishment underscores the strength of multidisciplinary collaboration among our surgeons, physicians, nurses and allied health professionals in advancing cardiovascular healthcare in Ghana.”
National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC)
Better Outcomes for Selected Patients
NCTC further explain that Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting has become an important option for carefully selected patients with coronary artery disease.
Because the procedure is performed while the heart continues beating, it may reduce the risk of certain complications associated with conventional bypass surgery.
Patients may also benefit from shorter recovery periods, reduced blood transfusion requirements and improved postoperative outcomes depending on their clinical condition.
The National Cardiothoracic Centre noted that introducing the procedure forms part of its broader commitment to continuously improve the quality of specialised cardiac care through the adoption of modern evidence-based surgical techniques.
They emphasised that patient selection will remain an important consideration to ensure the procedure delivers the greatest possible benefit.
Expanding Access to Advanced Cardiac Care
The Centre believes the successful adoption of the OPCAB technique will further strengthen Ghana’s capacity to manage complex cardiovascular diseases locally while improving access to specialised treatment for patients across the country and neighbouring states.
As cardiovascular diseases continue to place increasing pressure on healthcare systems globally, expanding local expertise in advanced cardiac surgery has become an important priority for specialist health institutions.
The achievement reinforces the National Cardiothoracic Centre’s reputation as one of the region’s leading centres for cardiovascular medicine and surgery.
“We are confident that continued investment in innovation, specialist training, and strategic partnerships will further strengthen Ghana’s position as a leading destination for high-quality cardiac care in the region.”
National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC)
Congratulating the entire surgical and clinical team, the Centre reaffirmed its commitment to building on the success of the landmark procedures by expanding access to advanced heart surgery, strengthening specialist services and ensuring that more patients benefit from world-class cardiovascular care without leaving the country.
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