Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Published on: March 27, 2018
Challenges to Open-Heart Surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review
Victory Bassey Effiom1,2, Abdullah K Alassiri3, Victor Femi-Lawal4
1University of Calabar Faculty of Clinical Sciences Calabar Cross River Nigeria Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria.
Insights
Africa faces challenges in providing open-heart surgery despite its availability for decades. This study analyzes limitations and proposes solutions for expanding cardiac surgery access to combat rising cardiovascular disease burdens.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Public Health in Africa
- Healthcare Systems Strengthening
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a growing concern in Africa, requiring advanced treatments like cardiac surgery.
- Open-heart surgery has been performed in Africa since 1964, but its development has been significantly limited.
- Access to definitive surgical treatment for cardiovascular conditions remains a critical issue across the continent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges confronting open-heart surgery programs in Africa.
- To identify essential components for sustaining and expanding cardiac surgery services.
- To propose a comprehensive strategy for improving access to life-saving cardiac interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of the current landscape of open-heart surgery programs in Africa.
- Identification of challenges faced by both established and emerging surgical initiatives.
- Review of key factors influencing program sustainability and growth.
Main Results:
- Significant challenges hinder the development and widespread availability of open-heart surgery across Africa.
- Key areas for improvement include surgeon and staff training, resource management, and capacity building.
- Existing programs, both old and new, face substantial operational and systemic obstacles.
Conclusions:
- A multifactorial approach is essential to overcome limitations in African cardiac surgery.
- Investing in training, resources, and capacity building is crucial for equitable access.
- Strengthening healthcare systems is vital to address the rising burden of cardiovascular disease through surgical interventions.
Abstract:
The rising cardiovascular disease burden in Africa necessitates a strengthened healthcare system including enhanced access to cardiac surgery, the definitive treatment for several surgical cardiovascular diseases. Though open-heart surgery, the most invasive type of cardiac surgery, was already possible in Africa over five decades ago, with pioneering surgeons performing atrial septal defect repairs via surface cooling in Ghana as early as 1964, its development across the continent has been hindered by significant challenges. This study highlights the challenges faced by both established and nascent open-heart surgery programs across Africa. We further identify key areas for sustaining and expanding open-heart surgery programs, including robust training for surgeons and support staff, resource allocation, and enhanced capacity building. By systematically analyzing the landscape of open-heart surgery in Africa, this paper proposes a multifactorial approach to overcome these limitations and ensure equitable access to this life-saving intervention for a vastly underserved population.
More Related Videos
07:39Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
12:40A Modified Murine Heterotopic Heart Transplant Protocol Matching Contemporary Standards of Aseptic Technique, Anesthesia, and Analgesia
Published on: September 28, 2022
