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The Heartguard: A Humanitarian Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program in Rural China
Xun E Zhang1, Zhi Geng1, Jun Shao1
1Cardiovascular Center, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Insights
The Heartguard project successfully screened over 10,000 children for congenital heart disease (CHD) in rural China. The program provided life-saving treatments to 240 children, significantly improving their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Public Health Initiatives
- Global Health Equity
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of birth defects in China, disproportionately affecting children in rural areas due to limited access to care and financial constraints.
- The Heartguard project was established to address the critical need for improved CHD diagnosis and treatment accessibility in underserved rural Chinese populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Heartguard project in delivering essential cardiac care to children with CHD in rural China.
- To assess the program's impact on patient outcomes and the feasibility of humanitarian interventions in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Collaborative screening for CHD in partnership with county hospitals across 9 Chinese provinces.
- Financial sponsorship for necessary treatments for diagnosed children unable to afford care.
- Comprehensive follow-up protocols involving local partners and visiting surgical teams.
Main Results:
- Over 10,000 children underwent CHD screening, identifying 240 cases (2.4% incidence).
- 226 patients received invasive treatment (162 open surgery, 64 endovascular procedures), while 14 received conservative management.
- The program reported no mortality or significant complications during transfer or perioperatively, demonstrating a high safety profile.
Conclusions:
- The Heartguard project successfully enhanced access to critical cardiac surgery for rural CHD patients in China.
- This humanitarian model demonstrates the potential for societal support to improve the long-term quality of life for children with CHD.
Background:
Congenital heart disease (CHD) accounts for the most common birth defects in China, pressuring both the physical and mental health in children. The inaccessibility of CHD children in rural China due to financial difficulties is demanding inputs from both the government and society. The Heartguard project is a program developed to improve the delivery of CHD care in rural China.
Methods:
The Heartguard project partners with county hospitals and performs CHD screening to diagnose patients with CHD in rural China. Diagnosed children with CHD who are unable to afford therapy will subsequently receive treatment sponsored by the financial partners. All patients are followed up by the local partner and visiting surgical team members.
Results:
More than 10,000 children across 9 provinces underwent CHD screening. A total of 240 (accounting for an incidence of 2.4%) was treated by the program, of which 226 patients were managed invasively, the other 14 patients conservatively. Open surgery was performed in 162 patients, while endovascular procedures were applied in another 64. No mortality or significant complications occurred during the transfer. There was no perioperative or late death.
Conclusion:
This humanitarian cardiac surgery program is able to promote accessibility of care for CHD children in rural China. The quality of life of these patients can be improved with continuous input from the society.
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