A Ghanaian Cardiac Paediatrician Specialist, with the support of Global Heart Care, has achieved a significant milestone by performing the first cardiac catheterization surgery on three children with different heart complications at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that involves guiding a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through a blood vessel to the heart, allowing for the diagnosis and treatment of various heart conditions, including clogged arteries and irregular heartbeats.
Utilizing the state-of-the-art Philip Asurion 7 technology, the surgeons successfully conducted the surgeries on the three children, each with their unique health challenges, within a remarkable two-hour timeframe. The patients experienced a short hospital stay of three days, depending on the severity of their conditions.
It is estimated that globally, approximately 100 children are born with heart complications annually.
Speaking at a media engagement, Professor Nana Akyaa Yao, a Consultant in Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology and the sole paediatric cardiologist in Ghana, emphasized that cardiac catheterization surgery is one of the safest heart procedures, as it does not involve cutting open the patient.
She explained that the procedure entails accessing the heart through blood vessels in the patient's legs and using tiny wires to identify and address the specific issue.
Professor Yao noted that the main limitations to such surgeries are the lack of adequate medical resources and infrastructure.
She called for increased investments in both infrastructure development and training to enhance cardiac paediatric care in the country.
Dr Darius Osei, Chief Executive Officer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), highlighted that while the hospital has successfully performed over 30 heart surgeries, this marks the first time they have conducted a cardiac catheterization surgery.
He further stated that the hospital is collaborating with various organizations to provide surgical interventions for children with heart complications, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to improve cardiac care for Ghana's young population.
