The Tri-Isle Subarea Health Council gave unanimous approval yesterday to Maui Memorial Medical Center plans for a $1.5 million expansion of its cardiovascular services.

The new program will allow doctors to perform angiography procedures to clear blockages from heart arteries and open-heart surgeries. Maui Memorial officials said the expanded services will eliminate the need for many Maui residents to seek off-island treatment. On average, more than 200 patients leave each year to receive cardiac treatment on O'ahu or elsewhere.

The center could be up and running within 18 months. Cardiac care is a money-maker for hospitals, and Maui Memorial is engaged in a pitched battle with the Malulani project over the island's limited patient pool.

The Maui Memorial certificate of need application must undergo two additional reviews before final approval is considered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency administrator.