Davao City, Philippines — Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) has achieved a milestone in cardiovascular medicine for Mindanao. The hospital performed its first pediatric percutaneous Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) device closure. This intervention on a 17-year-old patient marks DDH’s first pediatric case and its second successful ASD device closure overall.
This procedure underscores DDH’s commitment to advancing minimally invasive cardiac interventions, bringing world-class, specialized pediatric care closer to home for families in Davao City and the broader Mindanao region.
Atrial Septal Defect is a congenital heart condition present at birth. It is characterized by an opening in the septum, the wall between the left and right atria of the heart. This opening allows oxygen-rich blood to leak from the left atrium into the right atrium. As a result, the heart and lungs must work harder than they normally do. If left untreated, this can lead to serious long-term complications such as heart enlargement, persistent arrhythmias, or pulmonary hypertension.
ASD device closure serves as a sophisticated, catheter-based alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. Instead of requiring a surgical incision, the procedure is performed using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, which is typically inserted through a vein in the groin. Guided by real-time imaging technologies—specifically echocardiography and fluoroscopy—the cardiology team carefully navigates the catheter to the heart. They then deploy a specialized double-disc or umbrella-shaped closure device across the defect. Once positioned, the device seals the opening, allowing the patient’s own heart tissue to eventually grow over the implant, permanently integrating it into the septal wall.
The success of this delicate intervention was the result of seamless multidisciplinary collaboration. The pediatric interventional cardiology team was led by Dr. Sheldon Paragas, Dr. Jean Antonio Villareal from the Philippine Heart Center, and Dr. Katrina Angelica Albay. Critical imaging guidance for the procedure was provided by structural transesophageal echocardiographer Dr. Pamela Joanne Mansilla, while cardiovascular anesthesiologist Dr. Catherine Gonzales managed patient safety throughout the intervention. Pedia Cardiology Resident Rotator Dr. Nadine Naranjo provided essential support to the surgical team, ensuring a coordinated and effective clinical outcome.
For patients whose anatomy is suitable for this procedure, device closure offers a transformative recovery experience compared to traditional open-heart surgery. By avoiding a major chest incision, or sternotomy, and eliminating the need for a heart-lung machine, patients experience several key advantages. Recovery is significantly accelerated, with most patients returning to their normal daily activities within five to seven days. Hospital stays are typically reduced to just twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Furthermore, patients benefit from a marked decrease in the risks associated with major surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and the need for prolonged intensive care, often resulting in lower overall hospitalization costs.
This milestone is a powerful declaration of clinical capability. It demonstrates that Davao Doctors Hospital is fully equipped to deliver modern, high-quality, and specialized cardiac care to patients in Davao City and across the broader Mindanao region. By bringing these life-changing, minimally invasive interventions closer to home, DDH continues its mission to provide accessible, world-class healthcare, ensuring that families receive the most advanced treatment options without the need to travel far.
