December 23, 2024
VIENTIANE – A historic milestone in cardiac surgery was achieved on December 13, 2024, at the Laos-Luxembourg Heart Institute, located within Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane.
A team of Lao cardiac surgeons, Dr Visian Ounob, Dr Nilamonh Panyanouvong, and Dr Toh Sithilath, assisted by a Luxembourg team led by Prof. Schneider and Dr Billaud, successfully conducted the first-ever coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure in Laos without stopping the patient’s heart.
This groundbreaking technique, known as “beating-heart surgery,” is a less invasive and more affordable alternative to traditional cardiac surgery. It opens the door for many patients with coronary artery disease to receive effective and durable treatment for their condition.
A Revolutionary Approach to Cardiac Surgery
Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgical intervention designed to create a new path for blood flow, bypassing narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. This procedure aims to restore adequate blood supply to areas of the heart at risk of damage from reduced blood flow. Without intervention, these blockages can lead to the progressive death of heart muscle cells, reducing cardiac function and increasing the risk of severe outcomes, including heart failure and sudden death.
Typically, CABG requires stopping the heart and using extracorporeal circulation—a process that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs. However, this approach is both costly and complex. The beating-heart technique eliminates the need for heart stoppage, reducing surgical trauma and overall cost.
The first patient to benefit from this procedure was a 50-year-old man suffering from severe chest pain caused by angina, which had significantly impacted his quality of life. PHOTO: VIENTIANE TIMES
A Decade in the Making
This achievement is the culmination of more than 20 years of training and support by the Luxembourg-based Aide au Developpement de la Sante (ADS), spearheaded by Prof. Schneider, a leading specialist in cardiovascular medicine. Over the years, Lao surgeons and anesthesiologists have honed their skills through rigorous training to meet the high standards required for cardiac surgery.
The First Case: A Life-Changing Success
The first patient to benefit from this procedure was a 50-year-old man suffering from severe chest pain caused by angina, which had significantly impacted his quality of life.
Diagnostic tests, including coronary angiography and echocardiogram, revealed significant blockages in multiple coronary arteries and impaired cardiac function, with a reduced ejection fraction.
Using specialised equipment and cutting-edge techniques, the surgical team performed four bypass grafts on the patient’s beating heart. Tools such as cardiac stabilizers, intracoronary shunts, and humidified air blowers were employed to reduce the heart’s physiological movements, ensuring the precision required for such delicate microsurgical sutures.
The procedure was completed successfully, leading to immediate improvements in the patient’s cardiac function. The minimally invasive nature of the technique contributed to a shorter stay in the intensive care unit and a quicker recovery.
A New Era for Cardiac Care in Laos
The success of this procedure marks a turning point for cardiac care in Laos. The adoption of beating-heart surgery offers a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, particularly in resource-limited settings. This advancement is expected to benefit more patients in the near future, complementing existing interventional cardiology techniques like stenting and angioplasty.
The Laos-Luxembourg Heart Institute’s achievement is a testament to the power of international collaboration and dedication to advancing healthcare in underserved regions.
This pioneering effort paves the way for improved cardiac care and better outcomes for countless patients in Laos.
The intervention was made possible thanks to the funds provided by Luxembourg Aid and Development and implemented by LuxDev in Lao PDR.