English
العربية
Français
Deutsch
Español
русский
हिंदी
اردو
LoginSidra Medicine Marks World Heart Day with Complex Congenital Heart Surgery Milestone
Doha, September 28 (QNA) - In recognition of World Heart Day, Sidra Medicine is highlighting a recent milestone in complex congenital heart surgery following the successful treatment of three-year-old Dana, who was born with an exceptionally complex heart condition.
Dana was referred to Sidra Medicine with a congenital heart condition that required the cardiac team to consider two possible surgical approaches: a univentricular repair or a biventricular repair.
While a univentricular approach would have been technically less demanding, the multidisciplinary cardiology team determined that a biventricular repair could offer Dana the potential for a better long-term outcome and quality of life. The procedure, however, was considerably more complex and required careful planning to protect her heart's electrical conduction system.
The conduction system is the network of specialized tissue that controls the heartbeat. Injury to this delicate system during surgery can cause complete heart block. In such cases, a patient may require a pacemaker and potentially further procedures to replace the device and its leads over their lifetime.
To reduce this risk, Sidra Medicine's cardiac team used intraoperative conduction system mapping during Dana's surgery.
Dr. Husnu Firat Altin, Senior Attending Physician from the Cardiovascular Surgery Division at Sidra Medicine, said: "Dana's condition required us to balance the complexity of the surgery with what could give her the best possible outcome in the long term. Protecting the heart's conduction system was one of the most critical aspects of the procedure. By mapping the conduction tissue during surgery, we were able to identify the areas that needed to be protected and plan the repair accordingly."
During the operation, the team mapped the conduction system from inside Dana's heart. Cardiovascular surgeons then used the information to guide the placement of patches and closure of intracardiac defects while avoiding critical conduction tissue.
Dana recovered faster than initially anticipated. She completed the intensive care phase sooner than expected and was discharged from the hospital ahead of the projected timeline. Follow-up assessments showed an excellent surgical result, with a normal and stable heart rhythm and no evidence of injury to the conduction system.
Dana's Father said: "Dana was only a month old when we learned that she had a heart condition and needed surgery. She underwent her first operation while she was still a month old, which was an important step toward preparing her for the second surgery. The years leading up to it were filled with fear and anxiety for our family, but thanks to the doctors and care team at Sidra Medicine, the surgery was successful and we have seen a remarkable improvement in her condition. To any parent going through a similar journey, I would say, have faith, because after the most difficult days, happier days can come. We are deeply grateful to Sidra Medicine for helping us see our daughter doing so much better today."
Dana's case reflects Sidra Medicine's growing capabilities in complex congenital heart surgery and surgical electrophysiology. The hospital continues to invest in advanced technologies and clinical expertise to support children with challenging heart conditions. Sidra Medicine is also expanding its capabilities in surgical electrophysiology and arrhythmia surgery, with further developments in advanced intraoperative ablation procedures planned as part of its cardiac care services.
World Heart Day, observed annually on 29 September, raises awareness of cardiovascular health and the importance of improving access to appropriate prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For children born with complex congenital heart conditions, advances in specialized cardiac surgery continue to create opportunities for improved outcomes and quality of life. (QNA)
chat
Hello! How can we help?
Beta
