Pioneering Pediatric Procedure in Bangladesh

For the first time in the country, a ‘Venus P-Valve’ was successfully implanted in a patient’s heart without surgery at the cath lab of Bangladesh Specialized Hospital. The procedure was performed on Tuesday, August 19, by renowned pediatric cardiologist Professor Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi and Independence Award-winning physician Brigadier General (Retd.) Professor Nurun Nahar Fatema. On Wednesday, August 20, two more patients at the same hospital are scheduled to receive Venus P-Valve implants, while another will undergo the implantation of a “My Valve,” marking the second such procedure in Bangladesh.

The operation is being carried out as part of a live workshop under the two-day National Congress of Interventional Pediatric Cardiology (NCIPC), organized by Kids Heart Foundation.

The workshop was observed on its first day by both local and international cardiologists and surgeons, streamed live from the cath lab to Dhaka’s Regency Hotel and Resort. A large number of interventional pediatric cardiologists, pediatricians, adult cardiologists, and pediatric cardiac surgeons from home and abroad joined the event. Although eminent pediatric cardiologist Dr. Shivakumar could not attend on the opening day, he is expected to participate in Wednesday’s scheduled procedures.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, the congress was inaugurated by Brigadier General (Retd.) Professor Dr. Nurun Nahar Fatema, Chairman of Kids Heart Foundation. The highlight of the event was Professor Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi from Evelina Children’s Hospital, London, UK.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to pediatric cardiology, Dr. Qureshi received a lifetime achievement award from the event’s chief guest, Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant at the Ministry of Health. During his speech, Dr. Qureshi shared his inspirational journey from the early stages of his career to gaining international acclaim, motivating both young and seasoned physicians.

Distinguished guests included Professor Dr. Fazilatunnesa Malik, Chief Consultant Cardiologist at the National Heart Foundation and Research Institute; Professor Dr. Nazmun Nahar, former President of the Bangladesh Pediatric Association and founding President of the Bangladesh Neonatal Forum; Professor Dr. Mohammad Safiuddin, Convener of the Bangladesh Cardiac Society, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Technology, and Professor of Cardiology at Bangladesh Medical University; Professor Dr. Mohammad Shahidullah, President of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons; and Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Shafi Majumder, former Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) and Consultant at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital.

The special guests emphasized the urgent need to prioritize congenital heart disease treatment for children, stressing that “pediatric cardiac programs must be established in every district hospital.” They noted that currently such specialized care is confined to only a few hospitals in Dhaka, leaving children in other regions deprived.

Alongside scientific papers and discussions by distinguished pediatric cardiologists from around the world, the congress hosted fruitful exchanges on the latest medical advances and challenges.

The live workshop showcased cutting-edge technologies used in pediatric cardiology, broadcast directly from the cath lab. In addition, three specialized training modules—mechanical ventilation, central line insertion, and echocardiography—were conducted to enhance practical skills. A total of 110 trainees received hands-on instruction from experienced trainers.

Expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and well-wishers, Professor Nurun Nahar Fatema, chief patron of Kids Heart Foundation, remarked that this congress “will be remembered as a milestone in the advancement of pediatric cardiac care in Bangladesh.”