Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital is all set to introduce Oman’s First Private Sector AI-Powered Cath Lab with OCT & IVL
Signs MoU with Fujifilm in World Health Expo, Dubai

In a landmark development poised to transform the cardiac care in the private healthcare sector in the Sultanate of Oman, Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fujifilm in World Health Expo, Dubai to introduce advanced, state-of-the-art AI-powered cardiovascular technologies. The new facilities, scheduled for launch in May 2026, will position Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital as the first private hospital in Oman to implement an AI-enabled Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory integrated with Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL).

Though Oman’s Ministry of Health hospitals like National Heart Centre and Sultan Qaboos University hospital have worldclass cardiac facilities and cutting-edge technologies available at their disposal, the signing of this MoU marks a significant strategic step towards elevating interventional cardiology standards in the Private Healthcare sector in the Sultanate and reinforces the hospital’s commitment to bring world-class medical innovation to Private health sector in Oman.

The upcoming AI-powered Cath Lab platform is designed to enhance clinical precision through intelligent imaging support while optimizing radiation dose for improved patient and operator safety. By leveraging next-generation artificial intelligence and advanced imaging capabilities, the system will enable cardiologists to perform complex coronary interventions with greater confidence, accuracy, and better workflow.

The leadership of Badr Al Samaa Group emphasized that this initiative aligns with their long-term strategic vision of advancing cardiac care in the private health sector.

The Managing Directors of Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, Mr. Abdul Latheef and Dr. P A Mohammed, on this occasion, said: “The signing of this MoU represents a major milestone in our journey towards clinical excellence. By introducing AI-powered cardiac technologies in May 2026, we aim to ensure that patients in Oman have a wider access to some of the most advanced, safe, and effective heart treatments.”

The Executive Directors of Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, Mr. Firasath Hassan & Mr. Moideen Bilal remarked: “This upcoming installation reflects our proactive approach to investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and innovation. It will set a new benchmark for private healthcare in the Sultanate and further strengthen our leadership in advanced cardiac services.”

Among the key technologies to be introduced is Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), an advanced imaging technique that complements and enhances the accuracy of conventional angiography. This technology involves inserting a special catheter that passes near-infrared (NIR) light and a tiny high-resolution camera into the coronary artery. By this OCT provides detailed internal images of the artery enabling precise measurement of blockages, accurate plaque assessment including tissue characterization and calcifications inside the artery, thereby helping precise and optimal stent placement to a degree of accuracy not possible by conventional angiography alone leading to better results and improved long-term outcomes.

Another novel technology is Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) that offers a solution for heavily calcified blockages that are usually very difficult to treat by angioplasty. Using controlled shockwaves, IVL safely breaks hardened calcium deposits within the artery wall, making complex or high-risk blockages treatable and improve angioplasty success.

The hospital will also introduce the concept of “Metal-Less Angioplasty” using Drug Eluting Balloons (DEB) guided by OCT and supported by meticulous lesion preparation using specialized cutting / scoring balloons and IVL. This method treats selected blockages without permanent metal stents, preserving natural artery function and potentially reducing the need for prolonged blood thinners, thereby lowering bleeding risks and enhancing patient comfort.

Dr. Benny Panakkal, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Group Medical Director highlighted the anticipated clinical impact: “The integration of AI powered imaging with OCT and IVL will significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and procedural precision leading to clinical excellence and improved long term outcomes. These technologies will empower our cardiologists to treat complex coronary artery disease more safely and effectively”.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Atsushi Tateishi, General Manager – Medical Division, Fujifilm Middle East & Africa, stated: “We are proud to strengthen our valued partnership with Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals through the planned introduction of our advanced interventional cardiovascular solutions, including our latest AI-powered Cath Lab platform. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to elevating cardiovascular care standards and delivering world-class, patient-centric healthcare services in the region.”

Mr. Gaurav Agarwal, Founder Partner & Managing Director, Innovation Imaging Technologies Private Limited, added: “We sincerely appreciate Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals” for selecting our flagship Premier Elite AI-Enabled Cath Lab, complemented by Advanced OCT Vascular Imaging and IVL technology, for their Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital in Muscat.”

Expected Benefits for Heart Patients:

·       Highly Accurate Diagnosis: Detailed intracoronary imaging for precise assessment of blockages.

·       Enhanced Safety: AI-supported optimization to reduce radiation exposure and procedural risks.

·       Management of Complex Cases:  IVL enabling safe treatment of heavily calcified blockages.

·       Introduction of now world trending “Metal-less Angioplasty“ using Drug Eluting Balloons (DEB).

·       Faster Recovery:  Advanced, minimally invasive image-guided techniques promoting better patient comfort and quicker rehabilitation.

With the formalization of this MoU and the planned launch in May 2026, Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital is set to usher in a new era of advanced, AI-guided Cardiac Care—bringing innovation, precision, and renewed hope to heart patients across the Sultanate of Oman.