Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has once again etched its name in the annals of medical history as it becomes the first public tertiary health institution in Nigeria to successfully perform a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) closure using a non-surgical approach.
VSD is a type of heart procedure that aims to close a hole between the left and right ventricles of the heart. This groundbreaking procedure took place at LASUTH’s state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
Dr. Oluwaseye Oladimeji, a highly esteemed Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at LASUTH, took to Twitter on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, to share the news and shed some light on the procedure. He explained that the non-surgical closure is an alternative to invasive open-heart surgery. In this innovative technique, a disc-like device is used to close the defect without making an incision in the chest wall. The advantage of this method is that patients who undergo the non-surgical closure can be discharged as early as two hours after the procedure.
LASUTH has been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge healthcare solutions to the residents of Lagos. Since the establishment of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory in the second quarter of 2022, the hospital has successfully performed over 120 procedures, further solidifying its position as a leader in cardiac care.
This groundbreaking achievement is a testament to the commitment of LASUTH in advancing healthcare in Nigeria and providing world-class treatment options for patients with heart conditions. The hospital’s dedication to excellence and continuous efforts to push the boundaries of medical innovation is worthy of commendation.
As LASUTH continues to spearhead groundbreaking advancements in cardiac care, it reinforces its position as a beacon of hope for patients in Nigeria and beyond. The non-surgical closure of heart defects represents a significant milestone towards a future where complex cardiac procedures can be performed with minimal invasiveness, ensuring faster recovery times and improved patient outcomes.
This remarkable feat by LASUTH is a clear indication that the Nigerian healthcare system is making great strides towards expanding access to quality and innovative treatments. It is a cause for celebration not only for the medical community but for the entire nation as we witness firsthand the transformative power of medical advancements.
It is crucial to acknowledge the contributions of medical professionals like Dr. Oluwaseye Oladimeji, whose expertise and dedication have played a vital role in the success of this procedure. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients deserve our utmost respect and admiration.
In conclusion, LASUTH’s achievement in performing Nigeria’s first non-surgical closure for heart defects is a landmark moment in the history of Nigerian healthcare. It is a testament to the country’s growing capacity for medical innovation and highlights the immense potential for continued advancements in the field. With each milestone achieved, we inch closer to a future where groundbreaking medical procedures become the norm, revolutionizing healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
