MTRH cardiology team performs emergency mitral valve procedure on pregnant patient in Kenya
The intervention was guided by Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) and the Cath Lab’s image intensifier system.
KENYA—Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has performed an emergency Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvotomy (PMBV) on a critically ill pregnant woman in Eldoret to manage complications associated with mitral valve disease.
The patient was referred to MTRH after developing complications from underlying mitral valve disease during pregnancy.
Following assessment, a multidisciplinary cardiac team determined that an urgent intervention was required to address the patient’s condition while supporting the health of the unborn baby.
Emergency cardiac intervention
Cardiologists Dr. Constantine Akwanalo and Dr. David Lagat led the procedure, with support from Reuben Yano.
Anaesthesia care was provided by Dr. Edwin Gudu and Dr. Mitchell Okutoyi, supported by the Cath Lab nursing team.
The intervention was guided by Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) and the Cath Lab’s image intensifier system.
TEE provides detailed images of the heart and valves through an ultrasound probe positioned in the oesophagus, while fluoroscopic imaging allows clinicians to monitor instruments and their position during catheter-based procedures.
According to MTRH, the combined imaging approach enabled the clinical team to guide the procedure and monitor the mitral valve in real time.
The hospital reported that the intervention was completed successfully and that both the mother and baby were safe following the procedure.
Biomedical Engineer Andrew Chelulei and Radiographer Reuben Mutai provided technical support.
Cath Lab nurses Jacqueline Kirui, Purity Chebet, Kelvin Masiga and Olive Mugodo also supported the procedure.
Growing cardiac intervention capacity
MTRH said the procedure was the third emergency case of this nature to be managed through its Cath Lab.
The hospital has continued to expand its capacity for catheter-based cardiac interventions, which can provide an alternative to open surgery for selected patients with structural heart conditions.
The procedure also highlights the role of multidisciplinary teams in managing cardiac complications during pregnancy, when treatment decisions must account for both maternal and fetal considerations.
Access to advanced cardiac imaging and specialised catheterisation facilities can support time-sensitive interventions in such cases.
MTRH said the Social Health Authority (SHA) fully covered the procedure, although the hospital did not provide further details on the specific coverage arrangements.
Dr. Ayub Barasa, Head of Cardiology at MTRH, said the case demonstrated the importance of collaboration between cardiology, anaesthesia, nursing, radiology and technical teams when managing complex cardiac emergencies.
MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa said the hospital is continuing to strengthen its capacity to provide specialised cardiac services for patients from Kenya and other countries in the region.
The hospital credited the multidisciplinary team involved in the procedure for coordinating the emergency intervention and providing specialised care to the patient.
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