Krasnoyarsk heart center breaks records but faces a puzzling pediatric crisis

Krasnoyarsk heart center breaks records but faces a puzzling pediatric crisis

Mitchell Wilson
Mitchell Wilson
2 Min.
Diagram of a heart labeled with "hypoplastic left heart syndrome," showing the left and right ventricles and pulmonary artery, with valves labeled on both sides.

Krasnoyarsk heart center breaks records but faces a puzzling pediatric crisis

The Krasnoyarsk Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery has reported a record year in 2024, treating more patients than ever before. A total of 8,910 people received care, marking the highest number in the centre's history. Alongside this milestone, doctors noted a troubling rise in severe infective endocarditis cases among children.

The shift in treatment methods has also been notable. Over the past five years, the centre has moved away from open-heart procedures, opting instead for less invasive endovascular techniques—particularly for newborns with critical heart defects. In 2024, the centre performed 527 surgeries on children, including around 50 operations on newborns with life-threatening congenital heart defects. Most of these procedures were radical, meaning they fully corrected the child's heart condition. Additionally, 18 adolescents required valve re-replacement surgeries, a noticeable increase from previous years.

A concerning trend emerged with the rise of severe infective endocarditis in children. Five cases were recorded in 2024, compared to just one or two in earlier years. Medical experts remain puzzled, as the affected children share no common medical background.

One standout case involved a boy suffering from severe heart and brain infections. Specialists successfully treated him using a domestically produced hemoadsorption column during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Data from the last five years (2021–2025) shows a clear shift in surgical approaches. Endovascular interventions for newborns with severe congenital defects have surged by 45%. Meanwhile, open-heart surgeries have dropped by 28%, reflecting a broader move toward less invasive treatments. The centre's 2024 figures highlight both progress and challenges. A record number of patients were treated, with a growing preference for endovascular procedures over traditional open-heart surgery. However, the unexplained increase in severe pediatric endocarditis cases remains a key concern for specialists moving forward.

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