Our Summary

This study investigates the accessibility of heart surgeries around the world. It found that 75% of people worldwide do not have access to such surgeries because of inadequate resources, lack of trained professionals, and financial constraints. The researchers used data from the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network database to work out the number of adult and pediatric heart surgeons available relative to the population.

The study found that as of August 2017, there were 12,180 adult heart surgeons and 3,858 pediatric heart surgeons globally. This translates to around 1.64 adult heart surgeons and 0.52 pediatric heart surgeons for every million people. However, there were significant differences between different regions. Sub-Saharan Africa had the fewest surgeons per million people, while North America had the most. Similarly, low-income countries had fewer surgeons per million people compared to high-income countries.

The study concludes that access to heart surgery is closely linked to a country’s economic status. Despite this, lower early mortality rates in less wealthy countries suggest that high-quality heart surgery is possible in these areas. The authors recommend increasing resources and focusing on safety, quality, and efficiency to improve access to heart surgery for the billions of people currently without.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of people worldwide lack access to heart surgeries?
  2. How did the study measure the number of heart surgeons available globally?
  3. What does the study suggest about the link between a country’s economic status and access to heart surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric cardiac surgery is to ensure that the child follows all pre-operative and post-operative care instructions closely. This may include taking medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and following any restrictions on physical activity. By following these instructions, the child can help ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for pediatric cardiac surgery include:

  1. Children born with congenital heart defects
  2. Children with acquired heart conditions, such as infections or heart muscle disorders
  3. Children with heart valve abnormalities
  4. Children with coronary artery disease
  5. Children with arrhythmias
  6. Children with cardiomyopathy
  7. Children with heart tumors
  8. Children with complications from previous heart surgeries

These patients may require surgical intervention to correct abnormalities, improve heart function, or prevent further complications. Pediatric cardiac surgery is a specialized field that requires highly trained professionals and specialized resources to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

Timeline

Before pediatric cardiac surgery:

  1. Diagnosis: The patient is diagnosed with a congenital heart defect or other heart condition that requires surgical intervention.

  2. Consultation: The patient and their family meet with a pediatric cardiologist and pediatric cardiac surgeon to discuss the recommended treatment plan and surgical options.

  3. Pre-operative preparation: The patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and to prepare them for surgery, including blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with other specialists if needed.

  4. Surgery scheduling: The surgery date is scheduled, and the patient and their family receive instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including fasting guidelines and medications to take or avoid.

After pediatric cardiac surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care: The patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately following surgery for any complications or concerns. They may be on a ventilator to assist with breathing and have various tubes and monitors in place.

  2. Recovery and rehabilitation: The patient transitions to a regular hospital room once stable and continues to recover under the care of a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, physicians, and physical therapists.

  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient has regular follow-up appointments with their pediatric cardiologist and pediatric cardiac surgeon to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

  4. Long-term care: The patient may require ongoing care and treatment for their heart condition, including medications, lifestyle modifications, and additional procedures in the future.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after pediatric cardiac surgery involves thorough evaluation, preparation, surgery, and ongoing care to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of pediatric cardiac surgery is recommended for my child’s condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How many pediatric cardiac surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  4. What is the expected outcome of the surgery for my child?
  5. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect in terms of follow-up care?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my child’s condition?
  7. What can I do to prepare my child for the surgery and help them during the recovery process?
  8. How will pain management be handled before and after the surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or lifestyle changes that my child may need to adjust to after the surgery?
  10. What support services or resources are available for my child and our family throughout the surgical process?

Reference

Authors: Vervoort D, Meuris B, Meyns B, Verbrugghe P. Journal: J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Mar;159(3):987-996.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2019.04.039. Epub 2019 Apr 26. PMID: 31128897