Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR), in collaboration with the Paediatric Cardiac Society of India (PCSI) and the Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS), successfully hosted the World’s first International Conference on Paediatric Heart Valve Repairs on 19 and 20 July 2024.
This two-day event witnessed the presence of over 100 doctors from across the world. The doctors highlighted various congenital defects in cardiac valves and emphasised on setting a new standard in paediatric cardiac care. The event took place at Ataee Shaw Lecture Hall, Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, Karnataka under the leadership of Professor Dr A Kalangos as the Organising Chairman and Dr C S Hiremath as the Organising Secretary.
The event provided a valuable platform for cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, imaging specialists, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge, facilitate hands-on training through wet lab sessions and collaborate on reducing the global burden of paediatric heart valve diseases.
Valvular heart disease is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Studies suggest that the most prevalent valve conditions, globally, are rheumatic heart disease, aortic valve stenotic disease, mitral regurgitation, and aortic regurgitation, while in the developed world, aortic valve stenotic disease is more prevalent.
Interestingly, the conference focussed on the anatomical understanding, diagnosis, and imaging of both surgical and non-surgical management techniques for paediatric heart valves. It emphasised detailed discussions on mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary, and common AV valve repairs in children.
Additionally, the event included a hands-on wet lab workshop showcasing advanced valve repair techniques, extending to discussing innovative solutions to solve challenging cases, emerging technologies, and long-term outcomes in paediatric valve surgery.
“Understanding congenital cardiac valves is pivotal in advancing paediatric cardiac care. These valves play a crucial role in the heart’s function from birth, and addressing their repair and management is essential for improving outcomes in young patients. This Conference represents a significant opportunity to bring together global expertise, driving forward our understanding and treatment of paediatric heart valve conditions. By sharing insights and innovations, we aim to set new standards that will benefit children worldwide, ensuring they receive the best possible care,” Dr C S Hiremath – Senior Consultant and Chief Cardiac Surgeon, SMSIMSR; and Secretary, Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons, said in a statement.
Dr. Hiremath told Financial Express.com that there is a need to emphasise early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Dr K M Cherian – Doyen of Cardiac Surgery in India; Prof Dr Minu Bajpai – Executive Director, National Board of Examinations, Delhi; Dr Krishna Subramony Iyer – Executive Director, Paediatric Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Delhi; Dr Suresh Rao – Senior Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai; Dr K R Balakrishnan – Director, Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Chennai; Dr Shaun Setty – Senior Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, USA; Dr Sivakumar Sivalingam – Senior Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Malaysia and many other cardiac surgeons, cardiac anaesthetists, and cardiologists from India and overseas attended and lectured during the conference.
Several doctors told Financial Express.com that the conference and the key discussions represented a significant step in advancing medical education and research in the field of paediatric cardiac care bringing together the best doctors in the field, globally.
