Omanghana
The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has achieved a major milestone in Ghana’s medical history after successfully performing the country’s first two off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) procedures.
The groundbreaking “beating-heart” surgeries were officially announced on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, marking a significant advancement in specialized cardiovascular care and positioning Ghana as an emerging leader in advanced cardiac surgery within West Africa.
A New Era in Heart Surgery
Traditional coronary artery bypass surgery typically requires the patient’s heart to be stopped temporarily, with blood circulation maintained using a heart-lung machine. The newly introduced off-pump technique, however, allows surgeons to operate on the heart while it continues to beat naturally.
During the procedure, specialized stabilizing equipment is used to isolate and steady a small section of the heart muscle. This enables surgeons to perform precise grafting while the rest of the heart continues to pump blood throughout the body.
Medical experts say the technique significantly reduces the need for mechanical circulation support and represents a major step forward in minimally invasive cardiac care.
Benefits for Patients
According to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the introduction of OPCAB surgery is expected to offer several important clinical advantages, particularly for high-risk patients.
These include:
- Reduced surgical trauma, making the procedure less invasive, especially for elderly or fragile patients
- Faster recovery times, allowing patients to regain strength and mobility more quickly after surgery
- Lower risk of complications, including reduced chances of stroke, kidney failure, and neurological side effects sometimes associated with heart-lung machine use
Hospital officials say the new approach is expected to improve outcomes and expand treatment options for patients with complex heart conditions.
Expert Team Behind the Breakthrough
The historic procedures were led by the Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, with support from a multidisciplinary surgical and clinical team.
The operation also benefited from the expertise of visiting Indian cardiac specialist Dr. Shridhar Padagatti, who provided technical guidance and assisted in integrating the complex surgical technique into the hospital’s developing cardiac program.
The surgeries required close coordination between a wide range of specialists, including cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, anesthetists, perfusionists, and intensive care nurses working together in a highly synchronized operating theatre environment.
Strengthening Ghana’s Cardiac Care Capacity
The achievement forms part of a broader modernization drive at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital aimed at expanding access to advanced medical procedures.
Through collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Mahama Cares initiative, a new cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab) is currently being completed. The facility is expected to support minimally invasive cardiac diagnostics and treatment, further strengthening Ghana’s capacity to manage complex heart disease locally.
A Regional Milestone in Specialized Medicine
Health officials say the successful completion of Ghana’s first off-pump bypass surgeries represents a transformative step for the country’s healthcare system, reducing the need for patients to seek specialized cardiac treatment abroad.
As infrastructure and expertise continue to expand, the National Cardiothoracic Centre is expected to play an increasingly central role in advancing cardiovascular care across Ghana and the wider West African region.
Source: Omanghana
