Month: May 2025

Medical genetics specialists from Heart and Brain, led by Assoc. Prof. Elitsa Becheva-Kraychir, gave an outstanding presentation at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG). It took place from May 24 to 27 at AlianzMiCo – Milan Convention Center, one of the largest congress centers in the heart of Milan. More than 5,600 participants from over 90 countries took part in the large-scale event. The Medical Genetics Laboratory participated in the conference with three posters based on the results of the hospital’s molecular genetics and cytogenetics laboratories and medical-genetic consultations by specialists.

Dr. Lilia Nikolova-Georgieva presented a clinical case of severe congenital transfusion-dependent hemolytic anemia resulting from a newly detected homozygous deletion in the PKLR gene. The poster by Dr. Todor Vassilev describes an inherited Alagille syndrome in a patient with a predisposition to NEXN-associated cardiomyopathy. The third poster, presented by Dr. Petya Angelova, is the result of the work of the cytogenetic laboratory and describes a rare hereditary chromosomal aberration in chromosome 11 affecting relatives from three generations.

Dr. Natalia Todorova joined the course “Clinical Genomics and NGS” at the University Residential Center of Bertinoro at the University of Bologna just days before. The course program included lectures by leading experts in the field of genetics and bioinformatics, followed by afternoon workshops. The clinically oriented seminars with an interactive discussion format and the bioinformatics seminars with practical exercises in the analysis and interpretation of biological data complemented the excellent theoretical training provided by the lectures.

“By presenting at major European forums, our specialists demonstrate their extensive clinical experience in identifying rare and complex genetic syndromes, the early detection of which could be of paramount importance for the appropriate selection and timely initiation of treatment for our patients,” said Assoc. Prof. Kraichir, head of the genetic laboratory.

A high-tech gynecological operating room ensures more precise surgical procedures

The high-tech Heart and Brain Hospital in Pleven now has a second da Vinci Xi robotic system, which is the latest technological development in the field of robot-assisted surgery in Europe. The system is used for a range of benign and malignant gynecological cancers and has been integrated into the hospital’s work to meet the needs of a large number of patients from all over Bulgaria.

“The advantages of robot-assisted surgery over conventional minimally invasive and open surgery are undeniably great. It provides surgeons with significantly improved visibility and precision thanks to a three-dimensional image that is magnified 10 times,” said Dr. Desislava Kiprova, a leading specialist in the department.

The new robotic system is located in the recently renovated gynecology ward, equipped according to the latest European standards. This provides excellent conditions for both patients and the medical team performing the operations.

Impressive results in 2024

The gynecology department at Heart and Brain has established itself as a leader in Bulgaria in modern gynecological and gynecological oncology surgery. Over the past year, more than 1,400 operations have been performed there, with over 85% of them using minimally invasive techniques. More than 200 robot-assisted gynecological operations were performed in 2024.

Key advantages of robotic surgery

The four robotic arms of the da Vinci Xi system mimic the movement of the human wrist, but with a greater range of motion, allowing for more precise and flexible handling of instruments. This is particularly important in gynecological oncology, where precision is crucial.

“Today, robot-assisted surgery is used in many types of gynecological surgeries and for a number of diagnoses, both benign and malignant. It is ideal for cases where great precision and delicate work are required,” adds Dr. Alexander Lyubenov, head of the gynecology department.

For patients, the advantages include less post-operative pain, shorter recovery times and a quicker return to normal daily life, reduced blood loss and fewer scars compared to traditional surgery.

The certified team at the gynecology department at Heart and Brain Pleven is already a symbol of quality and standard in robotic surgery in the country.

On May 13, European Stroke Awareness Day, ,Heart and Brain’ Center of Excellence is joining the campaign of the (AIA). Neurology specialists will answer questions from citizens and inform them about the symptoms of stroke and the need for a quick and adequate response to this life-threatening emergency.

According to the AIA, an average of 4,000 people suffer a stroke every month. This diagnosis is also among the most common causes of death in the country—cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases account for a total of 59.8% of deaths in 2023.

“Although survival rates are increasing and we are able to save the lives of many patients with heart attacks or strokes, there is still a need for public awareness about prevention and adequate response. This is why the teams at the Heart and Brain Clinic have decided to join the campaign,” says Prof. Ivan Dimitrov.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that one in four adults is at risk of having a stroke. It can be fatal or disabling and changes the lives of not only the victim but also their loved ones. Stroke is preventable and treatable, and its severity, including its long-term effects, can be reduced.

May has been declared Melanoma Awareness Month by the World Health Organization. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. It is known that around 600 people in Bulgaria are diagnosed with malignant melanoma every year. In the US, 200,000 new cases are registered annually with over 8,000 deaths, while in the EU, over 100,000 people hear the terrible diagnosis every year, and deaths related to this disease exceed 15,000. There is an alarming trend of a 3-5% annual increase in incidence worldwide, including in Bulgaria.

Interview with Assoc. Prof. Natalia Chilingirova, Head of the Complex Oncology Center at the Heart and Brain Hospital in Pleven

– Assoc. Prof. Chilingirova, is there a trend toward younger patients, and what trends have been observed in recent years by age group?

– Yes, unfortunately, in recent years we have observed an alarming trend toward “younger” melanoma patients. Young people, including those under 30, are being diagnosed more and more often. The main reason for this is excessive sun exposure during childhood, as well as the use of tanning beds. In the past, melanoma was typical for people over 50-60 years of age, but this is no longer the case. Current epidemiological data show an increase in cases among young people. Therefore, regular preventive check-ups are crucial, and excessive sun exposure without sunscreen should not be taken lightly.

– In this context, what are the risk factors?

– The main risk factor is excessive and unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, both from the sun and from artificial sources such as solariums. Other risk factors include fair skin, multiple moles (especially if they are unusual), a family history of melanoma, and a history of severe sunburn during childhood. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, albeit to a small extent.

– What are the symptoms and when do they appear?

– Melanoma most often begins as a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new, unusual lesion on the skin. Any change in the color, shape, size, or outline of a mole should be cause for concern. Itching, bleeding, inflammation, or asymmetry are also warning signs. This is why regular self-examination and preventive check-ups with an oncologist are important. In advanced disease, symptoms are usually associated with the organs and systems in the body affected by metastases.

– In which area of the skin is melanoma most commonly found?

– In men, it is most commonly found on the back, and in women, on the lower legs. But in practice, melanoma can appear anywhere, including on the scalp, under the nails, in the mucous membranes, and even in the eye. It is this “unpredictability” that makes the disease such a challenge for specialists.

– What is the multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma at Heart and Brain?

– At our comprehensive cancer center, we rely on close collaboration between different specialists—dermatologists, oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, and imaging specialists. This allows for a quick and accurate diagnosis, timely treatment planning, and patient follow-up. We provide a personalized approach and use all modern therapies, including targeted and immunotherapy. This significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Patient follow-up is also carried out according to modern standards.

– Is the disease treatable and should it be considered a terminal diagnosis?

– Melanoma is definitely a serious diagnosis, but it should not be considered automatically fatal. When detected at an early stage, it is completely curable in over 90% of cases. The problem is that it is often diagnosed late and at an advanced stage. That is why early detection is crucial. As already mentioned, modern medicine is advancing and has powerful modern weapons in the fight against melanoma, both surgical and medical, and increasingly innovative therapies are being developed.

– What is the prevention?

Prevention plays a key role in the successful fight against this disease. In Bulgaria and Europe, there are a number of initiatives for prevention and early diagnosis, as well as local campaigns for free skin examinations. However, the most important elements remain education about risk factors and symptoms, regular dermatological examinations, as health is primarily a personal responsibility. It is important to encourage the use of sunscreen products and avoid solariums. At Heart and Brain, we also run prevention campaigns and teach patients how to monitor their own skin. However, a national prevention campaign is a cross-institutional initiative and depends on each country’s National Cancer Plan.