A Nigerian-born doctor, Ikenna Omeje has led a team of specialists at the University Hospitals of Leicester, United Kingdom, to perform a ground-breaking surgery on a seven-year-old girl born with her heart outside her body.
The young patient Vanellope Wilkins was diagnosed with the rare condition “Ectopia Cordis” in which the heart is abnormally located either partially or totally outside of the chest cavity.
Speaking in an interview after the surgery, Dr Omeje said the procedure was tricky and there was need to assemble over 20 experts from various specialties in the medical field.
He explained that the team had monitored Wilkins’ condition from birth and chose the timing of the surgery after carefully considering all medical options.
Dr. Omeje expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the girl is now recovering well and showing no signs of complications.
“Vanellope’s case is completely unique and very rare, so we brought our expertise together and combined several different techniques to perform this surgery.
“I was there seven years ago when Vanellope was born, as part of the team protecting her heart. Since then, we have been waiting for the right opportunity to close the chest and give her heart protection.
“It was a tricky procedure, and it has been a long journey to get to this point, but the sense of satisfaction you get knowing you’ve been successful is very special. I’m just happy to be able to help.”
The successful operation is being hailed as a major medical milestone and a testament to international collaboration in healthcare.
