BEST PROVIDERS OF SPECIALIST CARE
SLEEP MEDICINE AND APNOEA SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC
IHEAL
A boutique facility in the heart of Kuala Lumpur , iHeal Medical Centre focuses on “ promoting , restoring and maintaining heart health .”
Within its cardiac speciality , it has also forged a reputation as a leading centre for the treatment of sleep apnoea , providing screening and treatment to patients with the disorder , which pauses breathing during sleep and can over time , if left untreated , put pressure on the heart .
Given its innovative work in this area , iHeal has been recognised with this year ’ s Global Health Asia-Pacific Award for Sleep Medicine and Apnoea Service Provider of the Year .
“ The recognition of this award validates the seriousness with which we view treatment of sleep apnoea , which is reflected in the high calibre team we have supporting this Centre of Excellence for sleep apnoea at iHeal ,” said Dr David Khoo Sin Keat , iHeal ’ s founder and medical director .
The centre employs a respiratory physician , ear , nose and throat surgeon , registered polysomnographic technologist , sleep technician , and dietitian to carry out its practice .
Their focus is on providing a noninvasive assessment of a patient ’ s sleep patterns , often from the comfort of their own home . With the results of this assessment , the iHeal team is able to gain a full understanding of the severity of the condition and provide a solution to the patient . iHeal says its strength lies in its extensive experience , having performed more than 320 sleep studies in the past year alone . More than half of its
Dr David Khoo
patients are from overseas , evidence of its stellar reputation across Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific .
By putting its emphasis on less invasive treatments , iHeal sets itself apart by using techniques such as radiofrequency coagulation . After local anaesthesia , radio energy is delivered directly by an ENT surgeon through an insulated needle into the tissue that has been causing the obstruction . The needle remains in place for approximately three minutes , during which time tissue-hardening occurs . One to three applications at six-week intervals may be necessary to achieve the desired results .
Through this procedure , doctors are able to limit postoperative discomfort for the patient and deliver safer results .
“ At iHeal , we note that obstructive sleep apnea is an issue that causes more harm than just a poor night ’ s sleep ,” said Dr Khoo . “ Our accompanying services are compatible with the treatment of sleep apnea , where 85 percent of people with congestive heart failure and 60-80 percent of obese people suffer from sleep-disordered breathing . Our combination of services allows us to provide a complete range of treatment options .” iHeal is currently in the process of expanding both its capacity , from 18 to 30 beds , and its range of service offerings .
As a hospital specialising in treatments related to cardiovascular health , its services will encompass a wide range of fields , from dental care to dialysis at its soon to open kidney centre .
At the same time , the medical centre ’ s management are currently in the process of identifying suitable sites for nationwide expansion of the iHeal brand in order to reach more patients who may benefit from its less-invasive approach .
“ The recognition of this award validates the seriousness with which we view treatment of sleep apnoea , which is reflected in the high calibre team we have supporting this Centre of Excellence for sleep apnoea at iHeal .”
86 DECEMBER 2020 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com