In a remarkable leap forward for healthcare in Region 12, St. Elizabeth Hospital recently achieved a historic milestone by successfully performing the first-ever open heart surgery on a 13-year-old patient with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), a congenital heart condition characterized by a hole in the heart on February 15, 2024. Spearheading this groundbreaking achievement was the exceptional cardiothoracic team led by the esteemed Dr. Edwin Valencia, a seasoned surgeon at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
The distinguished team included the expertise of Dr. Kathleen Mata, a skilled surgeon from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Dr. Ralph Anislag, an anesthesiologist of St. Elizabeth Hospital, Dr. Sheela Datukom, an anesthesiologist from Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Dr. Darwin Corpus, a surgeon at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and Dr. Ardynne Mallari, Pediatric Cardiologist at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
One of the noteworthy aspects of this groundbreaking surgery was the utilization of an intra-operational Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) probe procedure, skillfully conducted by Dr. Mallari. This pioneering technique, a first in Region 12, provided real-time imaging of the heart during surgery, allowing for enhanced precision and monitoring. Dr. Mallari’s expertise in introducing this advanced procedure signifies a significant step forward in the region’s healthcare capabilities.
The comprehensive medical team also included perfusionists from SPMC and Davao Doctors Hospital, ensuring optimal blood circulation and oxygenation throughout the surgery. The well-trained cardiac nurses of SEHI played a crucial role in providing attentive care, contributing to the overall success of the procedure.
The successful open-heart surgery not only saved the life of the young patient but also establishes St. Elizabeth Hospital as a trailblazer in cardiac care within Region 12. This achievement marks a significant stride towards improved healthcare in the region, offering hope to patients suffering from various heart conditions. St. Elizabeth Hospital’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical excellence is evident in this historic surgery, setting the stage for a brighter and healthier future for the community of Region 12.
