Three specialised heart procedures that were previously only available through Malta's public health service have just been successfully performed at Saint James Hospital, marking a first for the country's private healthcare sector, the hospital said Saturday.

The first procedures, performed by the hospital's strong cardiac team, were carried out at Saint James Hospital's new €2.5 million Prof. Albert Fenech Cardiac Suite in Żejtun.

"It is a very proud and rewarding moment for our cardiac team to be part of this important milestone in the development of interventional cardiology and the introduction of advanced technology within the private health sector in Malta," Saint James Hospitals CEO Jean Claude Muscat said.

"Ultimately, milestones like these are not just about new facilities or technology, but about creating opportunities to provide patients with high-quality, modern cardiac care."

Saint James is currently the only private hospital in Malta equipped with a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, commonly known as a Cath Lab, which enables specialists to carry out procedures that previously required patients to rely on the public health service or seek treatment abroad.

The interventions on the first three patients included a coronary angiogram to identify blockages, and a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), which closes a small opening between the heart's upper chamber closure to reduce strokes.

Muscat said the opening of the cardiac suite, named after the late Prof. Albert Fenech, a pioneer in interventional cardiology procedures in Malta, marked an important change in the options available to patients.

"Until now, patients who needed these procedures had no private hospital option in Malta. That changes today with our €2.5 million investment, which gives patients greater choice when it comes to specialised cardiac care, and allows us to play a bigger role in supporting the national healthcare system," he said.

The hospital's cardiac suite is equipped with the latest Philips Azurion angiography system, and Muscat said the longer-term ambition was to continue developing the service while gradually introducing further advanced procedures.