Colleagues at Netcare and SA Endovascular are mourning the passing of distinguished interventional cardiologist Dr Andre Saaiman. His legacy and professional achievements will be fondly remembered by all at Netcare Kuils River Hospital and SA Endovascular, the prominent practice he founded.
“On behalf of the Netcare Group, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Dr Saaiman’s family and loved ones, and all who had the privilege to know him,” says Dr Richard Friedland, chief executive officer of Netcare.
"For three decades, Dr Saaiman devoted himself to his patients at his thriving practice, which evolved into SA Endovascular at Netcare Kuils River Hospital. The countless lives he restored and saved over his medical career are testament to his expertise and humanity, leaving a lasting tribute to his legacy."
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A highly experienced interventional cardiologist, Dr Saaiman, 68, was a respected electrophysiologist known for his work in percutaneous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and advanced cardiac angiographic and peripheral vascular interventions.
He graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with an MBChB (1981) and a subspecialisation in internal medicine (1988), respectively. He completed his cardiology training at Tygerberg Hospital and then began private practice. After a decade as an interventional cardiologist at Panorama Hospital, he turned his sights towards Netcare Kuils River Hospital in 2004.
Dr Heindrich Louw, also of SA Endovascular, added that Dr Saaiman was a gifted cardiologist with extensive experience in multiple sub-disciplines in the field.
“During his career, he achieved what many only dreamed of doing. He was a brilliant interventional cardiologist, performing anything ranging from complicated coronary work to abdominal aneurysm repairs and structural heart procedures. He then proceeded to become a distinguished electrophysiologist, handling extremely difficult cases with great success,” Dr Louw says.
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Under his leadership, SA Endovascular became a respected practice that not only did exceptional work but also trained cardiologists, physicians, and technologists. During his tenure, he was the principal investigator of multiple novel drug trials. His vision was to create a thriving academic group practice that could deliver excellent service to anyone who walked through the doors. This vision lives on, and his legacy of going out of his way for his patients will not be forgotten.
He was an exceptional marksman, representing his country at the highest level in overseas competitions. His support and friendliness left a deep impact on this community, specifically on those whom he trained.
“Dr Saaiman had a big heart. He was generous with his time and always willing to assist anyone in need. He was charismatic and always quick to deliver a clever, witty remark. He was truly a larger-than-life character. Our thoughts and sympathy are with Woudie, his devoted wife, his four children and two grandchildren,” Dr Louw says.
“We are sure Andre would want us to continue delivering the best possible care to his thousands of patients, as always.”
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Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Kuils River Hospital
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster and
Clementine Forsthofer
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]