March 5, 2026Remember our gentle giant, Dr Sela Koyamaibole?
Although we farewelled him last year, he has just helped make history. Fiji’s health sector has reached a major milestone, with the first-ever Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) performed in the country, and likely the South Pacific region.
The procedure was led by Dr Koyamaibole himself at Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, with support from a team of Australian volunteer clinicians as part of the Global Vascular Companionship, founded by Northern Health Vascular Surgeon Dr Iman Bayat.
Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Koyamaibole said, “We were able to perform the country’s, and possibly the Pacific’s, first endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Traditionally in Fiji, we treated it with open surgery, which involves extensive preparation, intensive care and a long hospital stay. With this vascular approach, it is minimally invasive.”
Dr Koyamaibole previously undertook vascular surgery training at Northern Health, making this milestone a powerful example of sustainable training partnerships and international collaboration in action.
The Northern Health delegation included:
- Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan, Vascular Surgeon
- Pinar Peler, Vascular Theatre Nurse
- Robert Beavan, Podiatrist
- Donna Oomens, Vascular Sonographer and lecturer at Western Sydney University
Working alongside Dr Koyamaibole and the CWMH theatre team, the group supported the delivery of Fiji’s first EVAR procedure — a minimally invasive technique used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms and prevent life-threatening rupture.
Beyond the landmark surgery, the visit focused strongly on education, mentoring and strengthening local services.
Robert Beavan delivered hands-on education sessions to foot care nurses and physiotherapists from across Fiji, focusing on assessment, treatment and offloading techniques for diabetic foot wounds. He also contributed to the review of Fiji’s soon-to-be-launched diabetic foot guidelines from a podiatry perspective.
Diabetes is endemic in the region, with high rates of limb loss due to complications affecting the feet. Access to vascular surgery and multidisciplinary care is critical in preventing avoidable amputations and improving long-term outcomes.
Donna Oomens provided education and mentorship to local sonographers in vascular ultrasound, an essential diagnostic tool used to assess arterial and venous circulation accurately and guide surgical decision-making.
The achievement was recognised nationally, with Fiji One News airing the milestone on its national bulletin on Friday, 20 February 2026. Click here to watch the video.
Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan said the partnership reflects the true meaning of companionship.
“Companionship is a specifically chosen word, which means to partner with or to walk the same path together. We are privileged to be here in Fiji and share in the successes that the vascular surgeons here are achieving. They’ve worked very hard and sacrificed time with their families to travel overseas to acquire the training needed to become skilled vascular surgeons. We’re very proud to see this service grow here and across the Pacific.”
The successful EVAR marks a significant advancement in Fiji’s surgical capability and reflects the power of long-term partnerships built on training, mentorship and mutual respect.
Congratulations to Dr Sela Koyamaibole and the entire CWMH team on this historic achievement, and to our Northern Health staff for their contribution to advancing vascular care in the South Pacific.
