Bangladesh's first non-surgical heart valve implant gives children new hope

Highlights

• Nation's first-ever Venus P-valve implantation performed
• 3 children with congenital heart disease treated non-surgically
• Procedures led by Prof Qureshi and Prof Fatema
• Live demonstration observed by over 350 specialists
• Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Prof Qureshi

For the first time in Bangladesh, three pediatric cardiac patients have undergone successful Venus P-valve implantation through a non-surgical procedure. 

Conducted over two days at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital's catheterisation lab, the interventions represent a breakthrough in pediatric cardiology, bringing advanced treatment for congenital heart disease within Bangladesh and lessening reliance on foreign medical facilities.

The procedures were jointly led by world-renowned pediatric cardiologist Professor Dr Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi and Independence Award-winning physician Brigadier General (Retd.) Professor Nurunnahar Fatema. 

The landmark interventions were streamed live today (20 August) for local and international specialists during the first National Interventional Pediatric Cardiology Congress (NCIPCC), organised by the Kids Heart Foundation. 

The event drew more than 350 pediatric cardiologists, pediatricians, adult cardiologists, and pediatric cardiac surgeons. Hosted at Regency Hotel & Resort in Dhaka, the two-day congress featured training on mechanical ventilation, central line insertion, and echocardiography.

Aiming to build practical capacity among young physicians, the training programme is designed to play a  crucial role in scaling advanced pediatric cardiac care nationwide.

Professor Dr Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Evelina London Children's Hospital, received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the congress for his global contributions to pediatric cardiology.

Calling it a milestone for pediatric healthcare in Bangladesh, Professor Nurunnahar Fatema, chief patron of the Kids Heart Foundation, said the breakthrough will expand access to affordable and high-quality cardiac care for children.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Dr Ashik Md Raihan, Senior Registrar of Pediatric Cardiology at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, explained that congenital heart disease patients often suffer pulmonary valve damage post-surgery, obstructing circulation and harming the lungs. "With this intervention, children can now live normal lives without lung damage," he said.