THE Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) has announced a monumental advancement in cardiology with the successful performance of the first-ever Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) procedure in Guyana and the Eastern Caribbean.
This ground-breaking procedure, conducted Wednesday at CHI, located within the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, marks a significant milestone in the Region’s healthcare landscape.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a cutting-edge technology that allows cardiologists to view the interior of blood vessels with unparalleled clarity, unobstructed by blood flow. The technique produces highly detailed images akin to inserting a miniature camera into the vessel, offering high-resolution visuals that are crucial in making precise diagnoses and treatment decisions. This breakthrough enables cardiologists to accurately determine the optimal location for placing stents, small tubes used to keep arteries open.
Additionally, the OCT system incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) with deep-learning image analysis, allowing for the selection of the most appropriate stent size tailored to each patient. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that imaging-guided stenting, as enabled by OCT, yields better outcomes than traditional angiography-based approaches.

Dr Terrence Haynes, an Advanced Interventional Cardiologist and the lead physician on today’s case, emphasised the importance of this development: “OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images with superior clarity. The procedure enhances operational efficiency by enabling more accurate diagnoses and guiding treatments with precision, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing overall cardiology procedures.”
The expert team behind this pioneering procedure included Dr. Mahendra Carpen, Head of Cardiology and Medical Services at the Georgetown Hospital and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at CHI; Cardiac Technician Jason Solomon; Registered Nurses Shinice Moore and Marissa Jeffers; and clinical specialists Ms. Katya Villarreal from Abbott and Ms. Veruschka Sol.

Dr Mahendra Carpen expressed his gratitude for the introduction of OCT technology in Guyana, noting its profound impact on the Cardiology Department, the healthcare sector, the nation, and, most importantly, the patients. He praised the procedure for its safety, reliability, and exceptional accuracy.
Dr Gary Stephens, CEO of CHI, highlighted the institute’s dedication to innovation, stating, “The Caribbean Heart Institute remains committed to providing innovative solutions and elevating the standard of cardiac care. The successful use of Optical Coherence Tomography marks a new chapter in the institute’s ongoing mission to deliver outstanding cardiology services.”

The introduction of OCT technology at CHI represents a transformative step forward in cardiac care, setting a new standard for the Region and ensuring that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.