06/08/2026
Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital Successfully Performs Rare Congenital Heart Surgery on an 18-Month-Old Child
Bahir Dar University College of Medicine and Health Sciences Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital has successfully performed a rare and complex congenital heart surgery on an 18-month-old child diagnosed with Double Aortic Arch, a rare congenital vascular anomaly that forms a complete vascular ring around the trachea and esophagus.
The child had experienced repeated episodes of severe respiratory infections, frequent hospital admissions, persistent breathing difficulties, and feeding problems since infancy. Despite multiple treatments, including intravenous medications and nebulization, the symptoms continued to worsen.
A chest CT scan later confirmed the diagnosis of Double Aortic Arch, a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly in which two aortic arches encircle and compress the trachea and esophagus, making breathing and swallowing increasingly difficult.
For the child's family, the diagnosis brought significant emotional and practical challenges. In addition to concerns about the complexity and risks of surgery, they faced the prospect of traveling long distances for specialized care, prolonged waiting times, and the financial burden associated with treatment.
Following comprehensive counseling and shared decision-making with the family, the cardiothoracic surgery team elected to perform the procedure locally. The operation was preceded by extensive multidisciplinary planning involving cardiothoracic surgeon, anesthesiologists, pediatric pulmonology and critical care subspecialist, intensive care and operating room nurses, and surgical residents.
During surgery, the team carefully identified the complete vascular anatomy, confirming a Double Aortic Arch encircling both the trachea and esophagus. The left common carotid and left subclavian arteries originated from the left arch, while the right subclavian artery arose from the right arch. The surgeons also identified a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) connecting the proximal descending aorta to the left pulmonary artery.
The surgical team successfully completed the following procedures:
🔹Division and closure of the left aortic arch distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery.
🔹Division of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
🔹Complete release of the trachea and esophagus from the vascular ring through meticulous dissection.
The child recovered well following surgery, was transferred to the recovery unit in stable condition, and was subsequently discharged home in good health.
The procedure was led by a dedicated multidisciplinary team including Dr. Natnael, General and Cardiothoracic Surgeon; Dr. Ayenew, Pediatric Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine Sub-specialist; Dr. Asefaw, ACCM Specialist; Anesthesia Resident Dr. Fetan; Operating Room Nurses Mr. Mulat and Sr. Senayet; and Final-Year Surgery Residents Dr. Abrham and Dr. Rezik.
Reflecting on the achievement, the surgical team noted that the case represents not only a technical success but also the trust placed in the hospital by families seeking life-saving care for their children—a responsibility that continues to inspire excellence in patient-centered healthcare.
✍️ College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia.
