SloveniaA new minimally invasive cardiac surgery technique has been introduced at Slovenia's UKC Ljubljana hospital for children with selected congenital heart defects. The method reduces tissue damage, post-operative pain, and recovery time while offering better cosmetic outcomes. Several children aged 2 to 4 have already undergone the procedure without complications, leaving the hospital within a week. The hospital plans at least one such surgery per month, targeting children over 10 kilograms initially, with potential future expansion to more complex cases. The technique avoids traditional sternum cutting, accessing the heart via the intercostal space. Director Janez Vodiškar mentioned plans to create a regional center that could serve international patients. Annual congenital heart defect surgeries in Slovenia range between 100 and 120, reflecting stable birth rates and consistent incidence.
Tendenz-Einschätzung (Mitte): The article presents a factual update on a medical advancement without overt ideological framing. It focuses on clinical details, expert quotes, and institutional planning, maintaining neutrality by avoiding commentary on broader societal implications or political agendas. The emphasis is on medical
