Significant meaning from a routine technique

Pediatric patient V.T.P. was admitted with a diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) of medium to large size (5.7-6 mm). This is a congenital heart disease that can cause overload to the circulatory and respiratory systems, leading to growth retardation, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and serious impacts on the quality of life if not treated in a timely manner.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Deputy Head of the Department of Congenital Heart Diseases and Structural Heart Diseases, Vietnam Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, who directly performed the intervention, stated: "The technique of closing the ductus arteriosus using a device via catheterization is a technique that Bach Mai Hospital has mastered and implemented routinely for many years. The proud aspect of this case lies not in the complexity of the technique, but in the fact that we have organized and operated a standard treatment process successfully right at a new facility. Patients have access to high-quality medical services right in their locality, no longer having to struggle to travel to central-level hospitals."

Dr. Nguyen Minh Hung and the team performed the intervention for the pediatric patient.

Alongside professional expertise, safety is always prioritized. Dr. Vu Huu Thoi, Second Degree Specialist, Deputy Director of the Pediatric Center (Ninh Binh facility), stated that the hospital operates a "dual safety" mechanism. Before the intervention, the pediatric patient underwent a hospital-wide consultation to thoroughly evaluate anatomy and hemodynamics. During and after the procedure, the Departments of Pediatrics, Cardiology, and Anesthesiology and Resuscitation coordinated closely, providing continuous monitoring to ensure maximum safety.

Synchronizing professional quality across the entire system

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai, Director of the Vietnam Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, the success of this case is the result of systematic preparation regarding personnel, processes, and systems.

"Closely following the direction of the Hospital's Board of Directors, the Vietnam Heart Institute has identified bringing specialized interventional techniques to the Ninh Binh facility as a core task. We not only send experts to perform procedures directly but also comprehensively transfer professional processes. The equipment system and collaborative capacity at the Ninh Binh facility currently fully meet the standards of the Vietnam Heart Institute. The goal is for patients to receive the same quality of healthcare whether treated in Ha Noi or Ninh Binh," shared Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Co, Party Committee Secretary, Director of Bach Mai Hospital, affirmed that the implementation of specialized techniques at the Ninh Binh facility is a concrete step toward shortening the gap in access to high-quality medical services between regions.

"We want geographical distance to no longer be a barrier for patients. Whether treated at the Ha Noi facility or the Ninh Binh facility, citizens are cared for according to the same professional standards of Bach Mai Hospital. Developing a multidisciplinary coordination model, gathering the intellect of leading experts to build optimal treatment regimens for patients, is the consistent direction of the hospital," emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Co.

The success of the case is the result of a systematic preparation process regarding personnel, processes, and systems.

The joy of the patient, the motivation of the physician

For the pediatric patient's family, the most meaningful aspect is not only the successful intervention but also the fact that the child was treated right in their locality.

Ms. M., mother of child V.T.P., shared with emotion: "When I knew my child needed a heart intervention, our family only thought about having to take her to Ha Noi, which was both far from home and worrisome regarding waiting times. When informed that my child would be treated by central-level doctors right here in Ninh Binh, I was truly relieved. Receiving treatment near home makes it convenient for the family to provide care, and the child is also more comfortable, so she recovered very quickly."

The mother also expressed her gratitude to the medical team and doctors who consistently and devotedly accompanied the family throughout the treatment process.

Each successfully treated case is not only a result of professional expertise but also a testament to the effort to bring high-level techniques closer to the public. At the Bach Mai Hospital Ninh Binh facility, techniques that were previously only implemented routinely at the central level are gradually being mastered, contributing to providing opportunities for high-quality treatment right in the locality and reducing the burden on patients.

Article and photos: Dieu Hien - Thanh Duong