Establishment and utilization patterns of Rwanda’s first catheterization laboratory at King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda

INTRODUCTION: As non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular conditions, continue to rise, catheterization laboratories (Cath labs) present a vital, minimally invasive, life-saving alternative to open surgery. Given Cath lab availability across the region remains extremely limited, the performance and case volume patterns of the Cath lab in King Faisal Hospital in Rwanda (KFHR) since inception might provide insights for the region to guide similar initiatives across SSA. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the case volume, specialty distribution, patient demographics, and procedures performed at the KFHRF Cath lab from December 2020, the time it was established, to May 2024. Data from patient records were extracted. Descriptive statistics and trends were used to analyze the utilization patterns and the evolving role of the home versus visiting teams. RESULTS: A total of 723 cases were performed in the Cath lab, with 67.8% in adult cardiology, 18.8% in interventional radiology, and 10.2% in pediatric cardiology. Cases increased progressively from 108 cases in 2021 to 217cases in the first quarter of 2024.The most common procedures in each specialty were diagnostic coronary angiography, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, and patent ductus arteriosus closure, respectively. The number of procedures increased over time, from 47 in the initial six-month period to 217 in the last six-month period. There was also a significant rise in cases handled by the home team, particularly in cardiology, where the home team’s case load increased from 80%-86 % in the first three years to 98% in 2024. CONCLUSION: The KFHR Cath lab utilization has steadily grown in case volume, comparable to other countries in the region. Addressing specialist availability, referral gaps, and patient access to the service is crucial for further utilization, particularly for pediatric cardiac interventions.