SMSIMSR Hosts World's First International Conference on Pediatric Heart Valve Repairs

India: Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR), in partnership with the Pediatric Cardiac Society of India (PCSI) and the Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS), successfully held the world's first International Conference on Pediatric Heart Valve Repairs on July 19 and 20, 2024. This unique two-day hybrid event gathered over 100 doctors from around the globe at the Ataee Shaw Lecture Hall in Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, Karnataka, to discuss congenital cardiac valve defects and establish new standards in pediatric cardiac care.

Under the visionary leadership of Professor Dr A Kalangos as the Organising Chairman and Dr C S Hiremath as the Organising Secretary, the event provided a valuable platform for cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, imaging specialists, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge, facilitate hands-on training through wet lab sessions and collaborate on reducing the global burden of paediatric heart valve diseases. The conference focussed on the anatomical understanding, diagnosis, and imaging of both surgical and non-surgical management techniques for paediatric heart valves. It emphasised detailed discussions on mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary, and common AV valve repairs in children. Additionally, the event included a hands-on wet lab workshop showcasing advanced valve repair techniques, extending to discussing innovative solutions to solve challenging cases, emerging technologies, and long-term outcomes in paediatric valve surgery.

Dr C S Hiremath – Senior Consultant and Chief Cardiac Surgeon, SMSIMSR; and Secretary, Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons, stated, “Understanding congenital cardiac valves is pivotal in advancing paediatric cardiac care. These valves play a crucial role in the heart's function from birth, and addressing their repair and management is essential for improving outcomes in young patients. This Conference represents a significant opportunity to bring together global expertise, driving forward our understanding and treatment of paediatric heart valve conditions. By sharing insights and innovations, we aim to set new standards that will benefit children worldwide, ensuring they receive the best possible care."

Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai – Founder, Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research said “As we continue to advance in paediatric cardiac care, understanding and innovating in the field of congenital cardiac valves are paramount. This Conference highlights our commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical excellence, ensuring every child receives optimal care.”

Dr K M Cherian – Doyen of Cardiac Surgery in India; Prof Dr Minu Bajpai – Executive Director, National Board of Examinations, Delhi; Dr Krishna Subramony Iyer – Executive Director, Paediatric Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Delhi; Dr Suresh Rao – Senior Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai; Dr K R Balakrishnan – Director, Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Chennai; Dr Shaun Setty – Senior Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, USA; Dr Sivakumar Sivalingam – Senior Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Malaysia and many other cardiac surgeons, cardiac anaesthetists, and cardiologists from India and overseas attended and lectured during the conference.

This Conference represented a significant step in advancing medical education and research in the field of paediatric cardiac care bringing together the best doctors in the field, globally.