Vietnam has successfully performed its first fetal cardiac intervention on a foreign patient, marking a significant milestone for the country’s growing reputation in fetal medicine.
The mother, a 41-year-old from Singapore, was referred to Vietnam after specialists in her home country discovered her baby had a serious heart defect that could lead to stillbirth. Singapore did not offer the complex procedure.
She was sent to Tu Du Hospital and Children’s Hospital 1 in Vietnam. The first attempt on May 22 was postponed due to the baby’s early stage of development and low weight – a decision doctors described as extremely difficult.
However, after further preparation, the team successfully completed a second attempt.
The baby’s family expressed immense gratitude, and the mother praised the medical team for their care and support despite language barriers. Her husband described the outcome as a “miracle,” according to Tuoitre News.
Vietnam’s success in this high-risk case has garnered attention across the region, highlighting the country’s increasing expertise in fetal medicine.
Leading Singaporean hospitals now trust Vietnamese teams with cases requiring the most delicate surgeries.
Vietnam has also seen a rise in foreign patients seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) and laparoscopic procedures, particularly in oncology and reproductive health.
Doctors say Vietnam now leads Southeast Asia in IVF techniques and trains medical staff from countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
A new fetal medicine center is being established in northern Vietnam to expand services nationwide. The health ministry has approved the plan, and doctors are already receiving training in treating conditions like heart defects, twin-to-twin transfusion, and other prenatal complications.
