Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has achieved a significant milestone in the field of cardiac care as it becomes the first public tertiary health institution to successfully perform a Ventricular Septal Defect closure (VSD). The groundbreaking procedure took place on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at LASUTH’s state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
Dr. Oluwaseye Oladimeji, a highly skilled Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at LASUTH, shared the news on Twitter on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Dr. Oladimeji explained that ventricular septal defect closure is a heart procedure performed on patients who are born with a hole between the left and right ventricles of the heart. Traditionally, there are two methods of addressing this condition: open heart surgery or non-surgical closure.
The non-surgical closure method, which was employed in this case, offers a less invasive approach to the treatment. Dr. Oladimeji elaborated, stating that the procedure can be performed without making an incision in the chest wall. Instead, a disc-like device is used to close the defect, resulting in a quicker and smoother recovery for the patient.
One of the remarkable aspects of this achievement is the short hospital stay required after the procedure. Patients who undergo the non-surgical VSD closure can be discharged just two hours after the completion of the intervention. This breakthrough not only reduces the overall healthcare costs for patients but also allows them to resume their daily activities sooner.
Emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to the residents of Lagos, Dr. Oladimeji reassured the public that LASUTH will continue to deliver innovative and effective health solutions. The successful VSD closure signifies the hospital’s dedication to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and improving patient outcomes in the region.
This significant milestone achieved by the Lagos state university teaching hospital marks a turning point in cardiac care in Nigeria, particularly in the field of VSD closure. The hospital’s pioneering achievement in performing this procedure showcases the capabilities of Nigeria’s public healthcare system and highlights the expertise and dedication of the medical professionals at LASUTH.
As the nation witnesses this remarkable accomplishment, it is hoped that it will serve as a catalyst for further advancements and the adoption of cutting-edge techniques in cardiac care throughout the country. The successful ventricular septal defect closure at LASUTH stands as a testament to the potential of healthcare institutions to provide world-class treatments and improve the lives of patients with congenital heart conditions.
