Author: BCI

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.