Five-Month-Old Survives Rare Heart Surgery in Kazakhstan

A five-month-old child from Temirtau has undergone successful surgery for a severe congenital heart defect. The complex operation took place at Karaganda’s Multidisciplinary Hospital No. 2. The child was diagnosed with an intermediate form of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), a condition made more serious by concurrent pulmonary hypertension. Early surgical intervention was deemed essential for survival.

The procedure involved repairing the atrial septal defect, suturing the ventricular septal defect, and reconstructing the mitral valve. This restored normal blood circulation, easing strain on the heart and improving the child’s long-term prognosis.

The operation was led by Dmitry Gorbunov and Ganibek Akzhanov, heads of their respective paediatric cardiac surgery departments. They were supported by a team of specialists from the UMC Heart Center and Multidisciplinary Hospital No. 2. The surgery was critical for the child’s immediate survival and future health. It successfully addressed the defect and its complications. The team’s expertise ensured the procedure was carried out under challenging medical conditions.