UAE: Filipino teenager with life-threatening heart defect saved after rare multi-stage procedure – News

A Filipino teenager suffering from a congenital heart defect was given a second chance at life after a rare and successful multi-stage heart procedure performed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors.

Zagil Gondraneos, 16, from the Philippines, was born with only one ventricle. In this rare congenital heart defect, one of the heart’s pumping chambers is severely underdeveloped, making it unable to function properly. This complex and life-threatening defect usually requires staged surgical procedures.

The complex procedure was carried out at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), managed by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), a subsidiary of PureHealth.

Dr. Magdi Abdel Ghafour Tofeig

“Zagil arrived at the cardiology clinic looking sad and exhausted due to low blood oxygen levels,” said Dr Magdi Abdel Ghafour Tofeig, pediatric cardiology and therapeutic catheterization consultant.

“We managed to diagnose his condition by performing an ultrasound of the heart and performing a diagnostic catheterization. Her situation was very complex because she has only one ventricle instead of two,” noted Dr. Magdi.

Complex procedures

The team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons performed the procedure in which a catheter was inserted in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, which partially diverted the blood flow, allowing more blood to reach and absorb oxygen in the lung.

It resulted in a noticeable improvement in the patient’s condition and paved the way for the second surgery, the Fontan Procedure. This surgery diverted blood from the inferior vena cava directly to the pulmonary arteries, allowing the functional ventricle to pump oxygenated blood to the body. As a result, the patient’s heart began to function better, supplying the body with oxygenated blood.

During the procedure

Saeed Al Kuwaiti, CEO of Seha, said having top-notch surgical expertise and advanced medical facilities helped create a staged surgical plan for complex procedures.

“This success is not only a testament to our surgical excellence across the Seha network, but also to PureHealth’s strategic foresight. Reflecting PureHealth’s commitment to the ‘Science of Longevity,’ our ability to leverage world-class expertise and facilities exemplifies our mission to deliver superior healthcare outcomes,” said Al Kuwaiti.

Zagil with his family after his recovery

The family is satisfied with the excellent treatment, which allowed Zagil to enjoy a normal life in the Philippines. Zagil’s father resides in the United Arab Emirates and works in Abu Dhabi.

“I am very grateful to the doctors and nurses at SKMC,” Zagil said.

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