This one-week mission at Clinica Corazonas Unidos’s Pediatric Congenital Heart surgery and Moderno MCA-Unidad Cardiovascular Hospital for Interventional Cardiology was a repeat visit after many years of pediatric and adult support. On this mission, Interventional Cardiology completed (6) interventional cardiology cases in the catheterization lab under direction of Dr. Manfred Hermanni, Venezuela. All cases were successful and treated without the need for sternal incisions giving them a rapid recovery.

Dr. Sameh Said, dual citizen of New York, USA and Egypt led the surgical mission correcting congenital conditions for (8) children. The numbers of cases were impacted by local issues limiting numbers of cases. Dr. Ernesto Rivera held cardiology clinics doing screening echocardiograms on 24 children with anticipated cases for the autumn mission.

A 40-foot container was shipped by the CardioStart Oregon warehouse to assist with disposable medical supplies and equipment. GoMed warehouse located in PA sent interventional cardiology disposables to the Miami shipping port for Moderno MCA.

A highlight of the mission was the outreach support by Mastercard International local office in Santo Domingo. Led by CardioStart Board Member Nicola Entwistle, MBA, the local team paired up to support patients and families in the logistical needs daily. They were attentive to the physical, psychological and emotional needs of the children and parents as they journeyed through the surgical period. This support was a significant help to Foundation Heartcare Dominica who funds and organizes the missions under the direction of Mary Carmen Mota.