Establishing a High-Quality Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program in Post-Conflict Regions: A Model for Limited Resource Countries

Abstract

Background Congenital Heart Disease stands as a prominent cause of infant mortality, with notable disparities in surgical outcomes evident between high-income and low- to middle-income countries. Objective This study presents a collaborative partnership between a local governmental entity and an international private organization to establish a high-quality Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program in a post-conflict limited resource country, Iraq. Methods A descriptive retrospective study analyzed pediatric cardiac surgery procedures performed by a visiting pediatric heart surgery team from October 2021 to October 2022, funded by the Ministry of Health (MOH). We used the STS-EACTS complexity scoring model (STAT) to assess mortality risks associated with surgical procedures. Results A total of 144 patients underwent 148 procedures. Infants comprised 58.3% of the patients. The most common anomalies included tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect, and various single ventricle categories, constituting 76% of the patient cohort. The overall surgical mortality rate was 4.1%, with an observed/expected surgical mortality rate of 1.1 (95% CI 0.5, 2.3). There was no significant difference between our observed surgical mortality in Category 2, 3, and 4 and those expected/reported by the STS-EACTS Database (p = 0.07, p = 0.72, and p = 0.12, respectively). The expenses incurred by the MOH for conducting surgeries in Iraq were lower than the alternative of sending patients abroad for the same procedures. Conclusion The partnership model between a local public entity committed to infrastructure development and funding and an international private organization delivering clinical and training services can provide the foundation for building sustainable, high-quality in situ programs in upper-middle-income countries.