Why choose Netcare for your cardiac care?

Cardiovascular diseases and conditions remain the leading cause of death globally and represent a major disease burden for the people of our country.

Fortunately, many more world class treatment options are now available in South Africa than ever before. Our 20 dedicated cardiac centres at Netcare hospitals across South Africa offer access to advanced treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes for those affected.

We place you at the centre of all we do in providing you with the best and safest cardiac care, taking into consideration your unique circumstances and needs and encouraging you to participate fully in your healthcare journey with us.

Adult cardiology

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Adult cardiac surgery

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Adult heart transplants

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Cardio-oncology care

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Paediatric cardiology

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Paediatric cardiac surgery

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Paediatric heart transplants

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Extensive cardiac facilities across South Africa

To ensure access to world class cardiac care right here in South Africa, we continue to invest in state of the art cardiac centres offering comprehensive cardiac care.

Our footprint of dedicated cardiac centres across South Africa and our established referral system for the transfer of cardiac patients — adults, children and babies — for treatment at these specialised cardiac centres, where needed, means that the best and safest treatment options are available to you.

Our cardiac facilities include the following:

Cardiac catheterisation laboratories for diagnosing and minimally invasive treatment of cardiovascular conditions including coronary angiograms, angioplasties and stent insertions.
Dedicated theatres for cardiothoracic surgery such as coronary bypass and valve repair or replacement procedures.
Dedicated heart and heart-lung transplant centres.
Electrophysiology laboratories for treating heart rhythm disorders.
Dedicated cardio-oncology centre of excellence.
Dedicated cardiac wards providing intensive care to patients.

cardiac care

Advanced treatments introduced into South Africa by cardiac specialists at Netcare

Cardiac specialists at Netcare hospitals have led the way in many major advances in cardiac care over the years, including the introduction of several significant cardiac ‘firsts’ in South Africa and the African continent. These advances have since benefitted thousands of patients here in South Africa.

First cardio-oncology centre established in South Africa

In 2019, cardiologist and cardio-oncologist, Dr YT (Trishun) Singh established the first cardio-oncology unit at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital. In November 2022, the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS) certified it as a centre of excellence. Cardio-oncology focuses on the cardiovascular health of cancer patients before, during, and after cancer treatment.

First robotic assisted cardiothoracic surgery in South Africa

This surgery was performed at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in 2022 by Dr Johan van der Merwe, a minimally invasive and hybrid cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon

First cardio-oncology centre established in South Africa

First robotic assisted cardiothoracic surgery in South Africa

This surgery was performed at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in 2022 by Dr Johan van der Merwe, a minimally invasive and hybrid cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon

First implantation of the cutting edge Abbot HeartMate 3™ LVAD left ventricular assist device in South Africa

This surgery was performed at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in 2021 by Dr Willie Koen, a cardiac and cardiac transplant surgeon, who was assisted by cardiac surgeon, Dr Loven Moodley.

First His-bundle pacemaker implantation in South Africa

The His-bundle pacemaker, electrically connects the upper and lower heart chambers. The device was first implanted in 2017, in a patient at Netcare Milpark Hospital. The procedure was done by Dr Israel 'Pro' Obel, a cardiologist who has sub-specialised in electrophysiology.

Mechanical heart implanted in youngest person in Africa

In 2017, a five year old child with heart failure became the youngest person in Africa to have a mechanical heart, or heart ventricular assist device (HVAD) implanted. The procedure was done at the Maboneng Heart Institute at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital by Dr Viljee Jonker, a paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon

First mechanical heart implant undertaken in Africa

A mechanical heart, or heart ventricular assist device (HVAD), was implanted in a child for the first time in Africa in 2016 at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. The child suffered from life threatening heart failure and was awaiting a heart transplant. Cardiac and transplant surgeon, Dr Willie Koen, led the surgical team.

First heart ablation procedure performed in South Africa on baby under 10 kg

The procedure was done at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital in 2015. The procedure was performed by Dr Kenny Govendragaloo, a paediatric cardiologist with a sub-specialisation in electrophysiology, when the baby weighed less than four kilograms at the time.

First minimally invasive intervention in South Africa to unblock totally blocked arteries

The procedure was done at Netcare Union Hospital in 2014, using the new Bridgepoint system. Cardiologists, Dr Farouk Mamdoo and Dr Chris Zambakides undertook the groundbreaking procedure.

First robotic catheter system used

A robotic catheter system was used for the first time in the southern hemisphere at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in 2009 to treat a patient with a complex heart rhythm disorder. The procedure was done by Dr Faizal Lorgat, a cardiologist with a sub-specialision in electrophysiology.

First implantation of the artificial Berlin Heart in South Africa

First implantation of the artificial Berlin Heart in South Africa, performed at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in 2001.

In an emergency, time matters

Download the new Netcare app, so Netcare 911 can immediately geolocate you in an emergency, wherever you are, for expert care and peace of mind.* You can also track your ambulance in-app for updates on when help will arrive, and easily access and view your Summary of Care from Netcare 911 a few days after the event.

Get the Netcare app now!

*Medical aid or private rates will apply