Researchers at King's College
London have started developing visual tools that might help to improve surgery
for newborn babies with life-threatening heart disease.
This is
contained in a study released on Wednesday by the college. According to report ,
the disease known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and any patients
with HLHS, the left side of the heart is much smaller than usual and cannot
pump enough blood to the body.
The team of scientists that
conducted the research said the findings has given surgeons the tools they need
to select the best treatment plan for each individual baby and improving their
chance of survival.
Dr. Pablo Lamata, a lecturer
from King's College London, said the team has analysed magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) scans and using advanced computer modeling techniques to create a
virtual 3D model of the baby's heart before and after surgery.
He reiterated
further that the researchers are aiming to help doctors visualize the shape of
each baby's heart at birth, provide more detailed information on the condition
of the heart, and help surgeons monitor how it adapts to surgery.
In his words,
``Analysing and comparing virtual models of babies' hearts before and after
surgery will help reveal the benefits and drawbacks of different surgical
techniques.
"We
hope that this new technique will help us determine the best approach for
surgery and how babies might respond," he said
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