In a significant advancement in pediatric cardiac surgery, the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana (UKC Ljubljana) has introduced a new approach to treating selected congenital heart defects in children. This method involves minimally invasive surgical techniques, which offer several advantages over traditional open-heart procedures. The innovation marks a major step forward in the field of pediatric cardiology in Slovenia and represents a shift towards less invasive treatment options for children suffering from specific types of heart conditions.
The introduction of this technique was made possible after the surgical team underwent additional training at the University Hospital in Lund, Sweden, known as one of Europe's leading centers in this area. According to Dr. Janez Vodiškar, head of the Center for Patients with Congenital Heart Defects at UKC Ljubljana, approximately between 100 and 120 children are born each year in Slovenia with congenital heart defects, many of whom require surgical intervention. Traditionally, these surgeries have been performed via a sternotomy, involving cutting through the breastbone. However, the new method allows for smaller incisions, significantly reducing tissue damage, post-operative pain, recovery time, rehabilitation duration, and improving aesthetic outcomes.
Dr. Vodiškar emphasized that the selection of appropriate patients is crucial for the success of this procedure. He noted that the method is particularly suitable for children weighing more than 10 kilograms. For such patients, the minimally invasive approach offers a safer alternative, especially for younger children where every surgical intervention must be meticulously planned for maximum safety. The surgical team at UKC Ljubljana plans to perform between 12 and 20 such operations annually, or at least one per month.
The first three successful operations using this new technique were conducted on children aged two to four years old. All three children recovered well without complications and were discharged from the hospital within a week. These initial successes highlight the potential benefits of the new method, including reduced trauma, faster recovery times, and better psychological outcomes for young patients.
According to Dr. Igor Šehić, a surgeon at UKC Ljubljana, the psychological impact of having a small incision instead of a large one across the entire chest can significantly improve a child’s mental state. This is because the smaller scar is less noticeable and less likely to cause emotional distress among children.
While the minimally invasive approach does not replace traditional open-heart surgery for more complex cases, it provides an additional option for patients who are suitable candidates for this type of operation. The surgical team at UKC Ljubljana has also highlighted improvements in safety and predictability through the use of modern methods, precise planning, enhanced imaging diagnostics, advances in anesthesia and intensive care, and additional training for the surgical staff.
The implementation of this new program is seen as a milestone in the ongoing development of pediatric cardiac surgery in Slovenia. It reflects the commitment of UKC Ljubljana to adopting innovative approaches that enhance patient outcomes while maintaining high standards of safety and care. As the center continues to refine its techniques and expand its capabilities, it aims to provide even more advanced treatments for children with congenital heart defects in the future.
3 reports
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 97Objective 9620 days agoThe University Clinical Centre Ljubljana (UKC Ljubljana) has introduced minimally invasive surgical techniques for children with congenital heart defects. This approach reduces surgical burden, accelerates recovery, and results in less visible scars. According to Dr. Janez Vodiškar, head of the Congenital Heart Disease Treatment Center, between 100 and 120 children are born annually in Slovenia with congenital heart defects, many requiring surgery. Previously, surgeries were performed through a sternotomy, but the new method uses a significantly smaller incision. The technique is suitable for
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about medical advancements without taking a political stance. It focuses on technical details of a new surgical procedure and quotes a medical expert, providing balanced and neutral reporting.
Why these scores (Factual 97 · Objective 96): This article confirms the implementation of minimally invasive techniques, mentions the number of planned operations, and includes relevant background information such as training in Lund. It presents facts objectively, though slightly more descriptive than others, but still maintains balance.
LokalecIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9820 days agoThe University Clinical Center (UKC) Ljubljana has introduced a program using minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating selected congenital heart defects in children. This approach reduces tissue damage, pain, recovery time, rehabilitation duration, and provides better aesthetic results. So far, three children aged between two and four years have undergone this procedure without complications and were discharged after one week. The center plans at least 12 such operations per year. According to Janez Vodiškar, head of the Congenital Heart Disease Patient Care Center, minimally-intrus
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a medical advancement in pediatric cardiac surgery with no political framing, bias, or ideological emphasis. It focuses on technical details, outcomes, and quotes from medical professionals without taking a stance.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 98): The article provides accurate details about the introduction of minimally invasive surgery at UKC Ljubljana, including the number of children operated on, recovery times, and technical descriptions. It quotes Dr. Janez Vodiškar accurately and aligns closely with other sources. The tone remains neutr
Žurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 93Objective 9420 days agoThe University Clinical Centre Ljubljana (UKC Ljubljana) has successfully started implementing minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating selected congenital heart defects in children. The method involves less tissue damage compared to traditional surgery. So far, three children aged between two and four years have undergone the procedure, with all recovering well and returning home. The hospital plans to perform between 12 and 20 such operations annually, at least one per month. This approach represents an important step forward in modern treatment for children with congenital heart病
Bias read (Center): The article reports on medical advancements without taking a stance on political issues. It focuses on health care innovation and does not exhibit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context.
Why these scores (Factual 93 · Objective 94): The article accurately reports the successful completion of three surgeries and the planned annual number of procedures. However, it introduces additional context about the birth rate of children with heart defects, which is not present in all sources. The tone is generally objective but slightly mo
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