Caribbean Heart Institute performs 1st OCT cardiology procedure in Guyana & Eastern Caribbean

The Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) has said it has successfully performed an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) procedure at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), and this is the very first time that such a procedure has ever been performed in Guyana and in the entire Eastern Caribbean; thus, this pioneering procedure is a significant milestone for the institute.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a cutting-edge technology that enables doctors to view the interior of blood vessels without the interference of blood flow. This technique provides exceptionally clear and detailed images that are similar to inserting a tiny camera into the blood vessel to capture high-resolution pictures.
These precise images assist cardiologists to make more informed decisions about treating heart conditions, because they can accurately determine the optimal location for placing a stent — a small tube that keeps arteries open. Further, this advanced system incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) with deep learning image analysis to help cardiologists select the most appropriate stent size for each patient. Recent clinical trials have shown that imaging-guided stenting outperforms the angiography-only approach.
Advanced Interventional Cardiologist and lead doctor, Dr. Terrence Haynes, in elaborating on the significance of this achievement, has said: “OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images with superior clarity. The procedure enhances operational efficiency by enabling more accurate diagnoses, and helping (to) guide treatments with precision (in order) to improve patient outcomes, all of which contribute to better overall cardiology procedures.”
The team that performed the procedure comprised the Head of Cardiology and Medical Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital, who is also Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at the CHI, Dr. Mahendra Carpen; Cardiac Technician Jason Solomon; Registered Nurses Shinice Moore and Marissa Jeffers; and Clinical Specialist from Abbott and Veruschka Sol, Katya Villarreal.
Dr Carpen, in expressing appreciation for the introduction of this technology in Guyana, has said, “It will greatly benefit the Cardiology Department, the healthcare sector, the country; and, most importantly, the patients.”
He has also praised the procedure for its safety, reliability, and high accuracy, and noted that introduction of OCT technology at CHI represents a transformative step forward in cardiac care.
Dr. Gary Stephens, CEO of CHI, has said, “The Caribbean Heart Institute remains dedicated to innovative solutions and elevating the standard of cardiac care. The successful use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) marks a new chapter in the institute’s ongoing mission to deliver outstanding cardiology services.”