Congenital Heart Surgery in Developing Countries

This article reviews the challenges in caring for individuals with congenital heart disease in developing countries and is drawn in part from the author's Presidential Address to the American Association for Thoracic Surgery in Philadelphia, May 2006. Economic globalization is resulting in demographic and lifestyle changes which are increasing the incidence of ischemic heart disease worldwide. A massive expansion of cardiothoracic surgery in developing countries is beginning. Although the rate of coronary surgery is contracting in Western countries, the population bulge that is approaching 65 years of age will also stretch surgical manpower and resources in developed countries within 10 to 20 years. The incidence of congenital heart disease is stable, but earlier and more accurate diagnosis is rapidly increasing the numbers of children needing the services of a congenital cardiac surgery team. Many opportunities for philanthropy are available, but care should be taken to assist in the most meaningful way by working with a long-term educational program and avoiding surgical tourism.