U.S. Cardiac Surgeons Perform Complex Open Heart Surgeries in Zambia
A team of specialised surgeons from the University of Michigan, United States, is currently in Zambia to carry out complex adult open heart surgeries, targeting patients with severe cardiac conditions, particularly rheumatic heart disease.
The mission, conducted in collaboration with the National Heart Hospital (NHH), aims to provide life-saving surgical treatment while building local capacity for advanced cardiac care.
Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent, Dr Chabwela Shumba, emphasised that rheumatic heart disease remains the leading cause of acquired heart disease and a major killer of young adults in the country.
Dr Shumba told journalists visiting the facility in Chongwe that prioritising access to cardiac surgery is critical for public health. The 2026 adult open heart surgery mission is expected to provide life-altering surgeries for 10 patients suffering from severe rheumatic heart valve disease.
He confirmed that eight patients have already undergone successful operations and are recovering well in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under close monitoring.
Dr Shumba highlighted that performing these procedures locally helps save substantial resources that can be redirected to other critical developmental projects.
The hospital has set a target to perform at least 150 adult open heart surgeries in 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting life-saving treatment.
As part of the collaboration, the University of Michigan has donated surgical consumables essential for open heart procedures, including heart valves, oxygenators, and other critical medical supplies valued at approximately 2 million kwacha.
Visiting cardiac surgeon Nick Teman expressed satisfaction with the success of all operations conducted so far, thanking the Zambian government for its support and encouraging citizens to visit the hospital for screening and treatment.
