A major medical breakthrough has been reported at the Port of Spain General Hospital.
The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) says doctors have successfully performed the country’s first-ever bedside balloon atrial septostomy on a newborn with a serious congenital heart defect.
The life-saving procedure was led by paediatric cardiologist Dr. Ronand Ramroop, with early diagnosis by Dr. Sanjay Saith using bedside echocardiography.
“A balloon atrial septostomy is a vital intervention for new-borns with certain congenital heart defects, allowing improved oxygenation by facilitating blood flow between the heart’s upper chambers until definitive corrective surgery can be undertaken,” the NWRHA stated in a media release.
Officials say the intervention improves oxygen flow and stabilises infants until surgery.
The NWRHA is hailing the achievement as another step forward in advancing neonatal cardiac care in Trinidad and Tobago.
“This accomplishment represents the NWRHA’s second medical “first” in less than one month, underscoring the Authority’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and patient-centered care.”
