Clínica Medilaser hosted the First Symposium on Congenital Heart Diseases “Small Hearts, Big Challenges” at the Centro de Convenciones José Eustasio Rivera, as part of launching the National HUB for Congenital Heart Diseases. The event gathered specialists to enhance early diagnosis and local treatment for these conditions in southern Colombia, aiding children from Huila and Caquetá. Experts emphasized advances in technology and a patient- and family-centered approach.
Huila took a historic step in specialized medicine with the First Symposium on Congenital Heart Diseases “Small Hearts, Big Challenges”, led by Clínica Medilaser. Held at the Centro de Convenciones José Eustasio Rivera, the event covered key topics including prenatal diagnosis, genetics, ICU management, surgical intervention, and patient follow-up.
The initiative accompanies the launch of the National HUB for Congenital Heart Diseases, aimed at training health professionals for timely identification of these conditions. “We want health professionals to identify these pathologies in time and properly guide patients to receive specialized care,” explained cardiovascular surgeon Lucía Fernanda Casanova Bermeo, the program coordinator.
Specialists like hemodynamic cardiologist Bernabé Martínez Amado emphasized human support: “Receiving a congenital heart disease diagnosis in a child changes lives. Our challenge is to provide peace of mind, support, and the best treatment opportunities.” Manager Mónica Rodgers highlighted prenatal detection technology: “We have technology and specialists that allow planning management from pregnancy, improving survival and quality of life for patients.”
Previously, patients from Huila and Caquetá had to travel to Bogotá for specialized care, but Clínica Medilaser now provides integrated services with geneticists, cardiovascular surgeons, neonatologists, and intensivists. “We have changed the prognosis for many children who previously lacked access to this specialty,” stated pediatric cardiologist Diana Carolina Díaz Rodríguez. Medilaser is the only center in the region leading this program, positioning Huila as a national reference.
