Thailand partners with hospitals to improve congenital heart disease treatment

Ministry of Public Health has teamed up with seven hospitals to create the “Joint Center for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Children and Teenagers” to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the mortality rates associated with congenital heart disease. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the Permanent Secretary for Public Health, said that congenital heart disease is a complex condition with a high mortality rate, and as many as 10% of patients require repeat surgeries, which increases the risk of complications. The aim of the collaboration is to develop the skills of personnel in the field of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement and facilitate the transfer of congenital heart disease patients. This is a viable option for reducing wait times for surgery and the risks associated with repeat surgeries. Each year, around 4,000 congenital heart disease patients require surgery, with around 400 requiring repeat surgeries. The Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health has been offering transcatheter pulmonary valve replacements since 2013 and has served 50 patients through this method. After ten years of follow-up, the pulmonary valves have been found to be functioning effectively, with all patients leading normal lives, pursuing careers, and looking after themselves and their families. The Joint Center for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement is expected to improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the mortality rate among child and teenage congenital heart disease patients.