In December 2024, Bucheon Sejong Hospital received an urgent call from an American woman, identified as Ms. A, who was traveling in Jeju Island. While undergoing a prenatal checkup during her trip, a severe congenital heart defect was discovered in her unborn baby.

After receiving the call, Vasilina, a coordinator at the International Medical Center, first confirmed the full circumstances with the couple and immediately connected them with Dr. Kim Jung-yoon, a pediatric cardiology specialist in the Department of Pediatrics. At the time, Dr. Kim was providing outreach medical services at a general hospital in Jeju and promptly arranged to meet the couple to conduct a 

detailed fetal examination.

The fetus was diagnosed with multiple complex congenital heart defects, including hypoplastic right heart syndrome, severe congenital pulmonary valve stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve, severe aortic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, and atrial septal defect. After considering the severity of the condition, long waiting times for treatment in the United States, and the high cost of care, the couple decided to receive treatment at Bucheon Sejong Hospital.

Ms. A later gave birth at a women’s specialty hospital in Incheon, which had an established cooperative care system with Sejong Hospital. Immediately after birth, the newborn was urgently transferred to the intensive care unit at Bucheon Sejong Hospital. During the transfer, a robust collaborative care system was in operation, with Dr. Kim, coordinator Vasilina, and a nurse from the women’s hospital accompanying the newborn to ensure stable vital signs.

On the sixth day after birth, the baby successfully underwent high-risk procedures, including balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty and balloon aortic valvuloplasty. Starting the day after the procedures, the baby began breastfeeding independently for the first time, with vital signs gradually stabilizing. The baby was eventually discharged safely and returned to the family’s care.

Dr. Kim explained, “This was a high-risk case that required intensive neonatal care and early intervention immediately after birth. Our medical team at Bucheon Sejong Hospital rapidly assessed the baby’s critical condition and, through multidisciplinary collaboration, made timely decisions regarding the procedures.”

He added, “The ability to perform these high-level cardiac interventions safely and accurately was made possible by extensive clinical experience, an advanced procedural system, and close collaboration among specialized medical staff. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who provided unwavering support throughout this process.”