Can Tho Children's Hospital Receives Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Technology Transfer

Can Tho Children's Hospital has signed a cooperation agreement with Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital for the transfer of pediatric congenital heart disease surgery techniques. This initiative aims to address the 'white spot' in pediatric cardiac surgery within the Mekong Delta region. Annually, it is estimated that between 7,000 and 11,000 children in the Mekong Delta region suffer from congenital heart disease requiring intervention or surgery. Due to the lack of specialized pediatric cardiac surgery hospitals in the region, approximately 5,000 to 7,000 pediatric patients have to be transferred to higher-level facilities. The adoption of new techniques will help reduce the load on upper-level hospitals, lower mortality rates, and significantly save costs for the patients' families. The technology transfer program includes five key specializations: congenital heart surgery, echocardiography, anesthesia, operation of the extracorporeal circulation system, and cardiovascular intensive care post-surgery. Can Tho Children's Hospital receives about 1,500 congenital heart disease consultations annually and has already performed interventional catheterization techniques. It is projected that by 2027, the hospital will perform its first pediatric congenital heart surgery, with the goal of investing in synchronized equipment to become a pediatric cardiovascular intervention center for the entire Mekong Delta region. By THANH TAM