At the Children’s Cardiac Surgery Center of the National Scientific Medical Center (NSMC) in Astana, an international workshop on the surgical correction of congenital heart defects in children was held. The event provided a unique opportunity for NSMC doctors to master advanced techniques for repairing heart valves using the patient’s own tissue.
Together with Professor Igor Eduardovich Konstantinov from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, NSMC pediatric cardiac surgeons performed the world’s first reconstruction of the tricuspid valve in children with Ebstein anomaly. Tissue from the right atrial wall was used to restore the anatomical and functional integrity of the valve, allowing doctors to adopt innovative approaches to treating extremely rare congenital heart defects.
The workshop was organized within the framework of the MUMKINDIK project, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of BI Group, in cooperation with the corporate fund “Zhuldizai” and NSMC. The project aims to implement innovative methods and train Kazakhstani surgeons so that the most complex surgeries can be performed domestically.
Workshop Results
A total of 47 open-heart surgeries were performed under the compulsory health insurance (OSMS) program and the Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care (GOBMP), with the participation of Professor I. E. Konstantinov alongside NSMC Children’s Cardiac Surgery Center doctors.
Special attention was given to the rare Ebstein anomaly: 16 cone reconstructions of the tricuspid valve were carried out using autologous tissue from the right atrium. Additionally, 9 aortic valve reconstructions were performed, along with rare reconstructions of the left pulmonary artery and aortic arch. A complete correction of the Shone complex, an extremely rare multi-component congenital pathology, was also achieved.
International Collaboration
Leading cardiac surgeons from the USA, Indonesia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia participated in the workshop. They were involved in clinical case discussions, treatment planning, and surgeries, facilitating experience exchange and strengthening international cooperation.
Significance for Kazakhstan
NSMC traditionally serves as a platform for experience sharing and professional development for local specialists. Professor Igor Konstantinov’s visit represents a significant step in advancing high-tech care for children with severe congenital heart defects, expanding opportunities to save lives within the country.
