In Bangladesh, a first-of-its-kind non-surgical heart valve implant brings fresh hope to young patients
In a significant development for pediatric cardiology in Bangladesh, the Venus P-valve implantation procedure has been successfully performed for the first time in the country. This non-surgical intervention, which can prevent lung damage in congenital heart disease patients, was led by Professor Dr Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi and Brigadier General (Retd.) Professor Nurunnahar Fatema.
The two-day interventions, conducted at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital's catheterization lab, marked a breakthrough in the field, as they lessened the reliance on foreign medical facilities. Over 350 specialists observed the live demonstration of the procedures, which were also performed on three pediatric cardiac patients.
The advanced treatment for congenital heart disease is now available within Bangladesh, expanding access to affordable and high-quality cardiac care for children. This development was celebrated at the National Interventional Pediatric Cardiology Congress (NCIPCC), organised by the Kids Heart Foundation.
The NCIPCC, hosted at Regency Hotel & Resort in Dhaka, drew over 350 pediatric cardiologists, pediatricians, adult cardiologists, and pediatric cardiac surgeons. During the congress, Professor Dr Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his global contributions to pediatric cardiology.
The training programme at the NCIPCC aims to build practical capacity among young physicians. The programme includes sessions on mechanical ventilation, central line insertion, and echocardiography, among other topics.
Dr Ashik Md Raihan stated that the Venus P-valve implantation procedure can enable children with congenital heart disease to live normal lives. Professor Nurunnahar Fatema called the procedure a milestone for pediatric healthcare in Bangladesh, emphasizing its potential to transform the lives of many children.
While the search results do not provide information about who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in connection with Pediatric Cardiology at the National Interventional Pediatric Cardiology Congress, it is clear that the event was a significant step forward for pediatric cardiology in Bangladesh. The Venus P-valve implantation procedure is set to change the landscape of cardiac care for children in the country, offering hope and improved health outcomes for many families.
