Over two days (12–13 March 2026), Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with Vietnam Pediatric Association, successfully organized the scientific conference “Updates in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Complex Congenital Heart Disease.” The event brought together leading pediatric cardiology experts from Viet Nam and around the world, while also hosting the National Roundtable on Congenital Heart Disease to discuss strategic directions for strengthening congenital heart care in the country.
A large-scale scientific forum with in-depth discussions
Congenital heart disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality and disability among children in Viet Nam. Its diagnosis and treatment require close multidisciplinary collaboration among cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, and interventional cardiologists.
The conference featured 25 international speakers from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside more than 35 Vietnamese speakers.
Over the two-day program, more than 300 delegates—including physicians, specialists, and nurses involved in pediatric cardiac care—participated in discussions covering over 60 scientific presentations meeting international standards.
The scientific program included 11 thematic sessions focusing on key areas of pediatric cardiology, including:
- Surgical treatment of complex congenital heart defects, including transposition of the great arteries, double-outlet right ventricle, pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, and tetralogy of Fallot
- Updates on single-ventricle palliation and minimally invasive cardiac surgery
- Advances in pediatric cardiac intervention and arrhythmia management
- Strategies in cardiac anesthesia, perioperative critical care, extracorporeal circulation, and enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery
Participants also shared experiences in managing congenital heart disease in low- and middle-income countries and discussed challenges in capacity building, including the role of international volunteer nursing networks.
A highlight of the conference was a series of live case demonstrations from the cardiac catheterization laboratory. During these sessions, experts successfully performed four complex structural heart interventions—including percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement, pulmonary valvuloplasty, and electrophysiology procedures for arrhythmia treatment. The procedures were live-streamed to the conference hall, allowing delegates to observe and discuss the interventions in real time.
National Roundtable on congenital heart disease
Within the framework of the conference, a National Roundtable on Congenital Heart Disease was convened with the participation of policymakers, clinical experts, representatives from hospitals and universities, and non-profit organizations.
Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Dien—Director of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and President of the Vietnam Pediatric Association—chaired and delivered remarks at the roundtable.
According to national data in 2023, Viet Nam records approximately 1.4 million births each year, with around 14,000 newborns affected by congenital heart disease. However, the country currently performs only about 5,000 cardiac surgeries and 2,000 interventional procedures annually, leaving many children without timely access to treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention—particularly during the neonatal and early infancy periods—are critical to reducing mortality. To achieve the goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2, which aims to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five, congenital heart disease care must become an integral component of the national healthcare system.
During the roundtable, participants discussed key issues including: Assessing the national burden of congenital heart disease; Evaluating health system capacity in infrastructure, workforce, financing, and governance; Identifying national priorities for strengthening pediatric cardiac services; Developing a roadmap for service expansion and workforce training; Establishing mechanisms for sustainable collaboration and policy development under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.
The roundtable marked an important step toward initiating a national dialogue and developing a long-term strategy for congenital heart disease care in Viet Nam.
Heart Center receives Children’s HeartLink “Center of Excellence” recognition
Another highlight of the conference was the ceremony recognizing the Heart Center of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital with the prestigious “Center of Excellence” designation from Children’s HeartLink, a U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to improving care for children with congenital heart disease worldwide.
The recognition was presented by Ms. Jackie Boucher, President of Children’s HeartLink, following more than eight years of partnership between Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and Benioff Children’s Hospital, San Francisco.
This recognition reflects the sustained efforts of generations of healthcare professionals in building and developing the Heart Center, while also reaffirming its growing position in pediatric cardiology in Viet Nam and the region. In addition to providing advanced clinical care, the Center has actively promoted training and international collaboration, welcoming pediatric cardiologists from across the region for professional exchange and capacity development.
Toward a sustainable congenital heart care system
Beyond serving as an important academic forum, the conference strengthened collaboration among domestic and international pediatric cardiology centers. Through professional exchange, policy dialogue, and international cooperation, the event contributes to improving healthcare workforce capacity and opens new directions for developing a comprehensive and sustainable congenital heart care system in Viet Nam.
