Wuxi doctor demonstrates high-tech heart surgery technique for first time in China

Doctor Dietmar Scharanz, a German expert in pediatric cardiology, shares his ideas about the Fontan procedure at the event in Wuxi. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In many cases, the procedure can result in normal or near-normal growth, development, exercise tolerance, and good quality of life. However, in 20 to 30 percent of cases, patients will eventually require a heart transplant and may suffer from long-term complications.

The computational technology can also help surgeons evaluate the outcome of an operation more accurately and adjust the patient's treatment plan accordingly. This can help prevent long-term complications and decrease patients' medical costs.

Dr Qiao developed the high-tech new surgery in partnership with Ajit Yoganathan, professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology and a member of the United States National Academy of Engineering.

The professor's expertise in cardiovascular fluid mechanics (CFM), in which computer modeling is used to visualize the fluid dynamics inside the heart, helped his Chinese partner gain a deeper understanding of cardiovascular problems.

Dr Qiao's live demonstration of a CFM-assisted surgery went well and was highly praised by the attendees.