Of The Heart(Part 2)
lower end of the spectrum. Chronic low blood pressure can lead to other organ malfunction such as heart failure and kidney failure.
Can you discuss any recent advancements or innovations in the treatment of heart disease that you find promising?
ere are numerous innovations in the area of medications and cardiac devices. ese include- among many other high tech devices- percutaneous mitral valve repair and replacement without open heart surgery, aortic valve replacement without open heart surgery (trans catheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI), battery-less cardiac pacemaker and artificial hearts.
Can you share any success stories or memorable experiences in treating patients with heart disease?
I have had quite an illustrious journey in the field of cardiovascular surgery. I have successfully treated numerous patients with advanced heart diseases that most of my colleagues, especially in the Western World write off within a blink of an eye. One miracle example was that of a young primary school teacher from Maun, who presented to us with an advanced congenital heart condition. She had been abandoned by her husband, became bedridden and put on fulltime oxygen therapy without hope of recovery. It took a determined and skilled effort of a senior cardiologist in Princess Marina Hospital to advise and transfer the patient to the team at Bokamoso Private Hospital for the complex surgical care. Like they say, the rest is history! It has been several months since the young lady returned to her teaching job and she is full of energy. Such success stories of our practice abound here in Botswana. We look forward to a day we will tell the stories!
What advice do you have for patients who have a family history of heart disease?
If it is a genetic heart condition, they must get checked even if they haven’t experienced any symptoms yet. ey should take preventive measures and seek early medical care if the condition runs in the family and not necessarily inherited.
What advice would you give to people who want to pursue a career in cardiovascular surgery?
Just go for it! It is the most fascinating field of medicine. As long as you have the interest, stamina, focused, determined and not looking for money as the soul push factor! For the high-school students, additionally should obtain above average grades in biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics. For the medical students, first check if your character and demeanor are constructed to thrive in a fast-paced environment of high-tech, multi-disciplinary medical care, and where room for error is quite narrow! For the general surgeons who wish to super-specialise in cardiovascular surgery, please note that your teamwork skills, in the perioperative period of patient care, will play a bigger role than perhaps any surgical skills you have up your sleeves! Overall, the old adage ‘a surgeon must have ‘an eagle’s eye, a lion’s heart and a lady’s hand’, so aptly applies to a successful cardiovascular surgeon.
Thank you for taking part in this interview. Is there anything else you would like to add or share?
e world is greatly underserved by cardiovascular surgical services.
e shortage of cardiovascular care specialists in Botswana is even more worrying. I encourage young people to join this captivating and rewarding field of medicine.