🫀Two Hearts on the Right Side

🫀Two Hearts on the Right Side. 

This Christmas, something truly rare happened at the Cardiac Innovation Center of Apollonio Hospital. 

Within a single week, our team treated two patients with dextrocardia — a rare congenital condition in which the heart is located on the right side of the chest. In both cases, this was accompanied by situs ambiguous, an even rarer anatomical variation. These are the kinds of cases a cardiac surgeon may never encounter in an entire career — yet they presented twice within one week at our center. 

Although their anatomy shared similarities, the two patients could not have been more different. 

The first patient (P.E.), a 3 month old infant, was diagnosed with a double outlet right ventricle and critical narrowing of the pathway to the lungs. As the condition rapidly became life-threatening, urgent surgery was required. The operation was performed at the end of November and, despite the discovery of additional heart defects, a complete repair was achieved. After a challenging initial stay in the intensive care unit, the infant recovered well and is now home with his family, a true Christmas gift. 

The second patient (M.I.), a 22-year-old young man, had lived his entire life with low oxygen levels and fatigue, even during minimal activity. Further cardiological examinations revealed dextrocardia, with both great vessels positioned on the right side in a crossed configuration, along with narrowing of the pathway to the lungs. Using a 3D-printed model of his heart, the surgical approach was carefully planned. The procedure was completed successfully, and his recovery was rapid. For the first time in his life, the patient now has normal oxygen saturation and the ability to live without limitations. 

✨️Two rare cases. Two lives changed.

Two Christmas stories that highlight the possibilities of modern medicine and the strength of the team at the Cardiac Innovation Center. 

🎄 Merry Christmas from the Cardiac Innovation Center team.

#cardiacinnovationcenter #cyprus #cyprushealth #cardiacsurgery #hearthealth #chd

#cardiacinnovationcenter #cyprus #cyprushealth #cardiacsurgery #hearthealth #chd