Heart Sapling Scholar Spotlight | Surgical Video by Myanmar Scholar Myat Published on CTSNet

Recently, a surgical video authored by Myat Hsu Aung, a physician from Myanmar and a participant of the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program at Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University (XMCH), was officially published on CTSNet, the world’s leading online platform for cardiothoracic surgeons.The video, entitled “Endoscopic Repair of Partial Endocardial Cushion Defect With Mitral Valve Repair,” demonstrates the complete endoscopic repair of a partial atrioventricular septal defect (partial endocardial cushion defect) combined with mitral valve repair.

Completing Complex Intracardiac Repair Entirely Through a Total Endoscopic Approach

The video presents the surgical management of an adult patient with a partial endocardial cushion defect treated at XMCH. The patient sought medical attention due to progressively worsening exertional dyspnea. Preoperative evaluation revealed an ostium primum atrial septal defect, cleft anterior mitral leaflet, and severe mitral regurgitation.

Based on the patient’s condition, the surgical team at XMCH adopted a right-sided totally endoscopic approach. In addition to patch closure of the atrial septal defect, the procedure included cleft mitral valve repair and mitral annuloplasty.

Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography confirmed complete closure of the atrial septal defect without residual shunting, while only trivial mitral regurgitation remained. Postoperative electrocardiography showed no evidence of complete atrioventricular block.

The case highlights several key techniques in totally endoscopic congenital cardiac surgery, including optimal exposure of the atrioventricular valves, reconstruction of the atrial septum with a patch, repair of the mitral valve cleft, and preservation of the cardiac conduction system. It provides an informative reference for international colleagues interested in minimally invasive surgical treatment of congenital heart disease.

From Clinical Training to International Academic Communication: Myat’s Growth Through the Heart Sapling Program

Myat is a physician from Yangon General Hospital in Myanmar. In January 2026, she came to XMCH to participate in the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program, undertaking six months of clinical training under the supervision of Professor Lin Zhi.

Upon learning that her surgical video had been officially published, Myat immediately expressed her gratitude to both the hospital and her mentor:

“Every achievement I have made would not have been possible without the support of Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University. I am deeply honored to be a participant in the Heart Sapling Program, and I sincerely appreciate Professor Lin Zhi for his invaluable teaching and guidance.”

From receiving systematic clinical training at XMCH to presenting a clinical case in a format accessible to the international surgical community, this publication represents an important milestone in Myat’s learning journey.

More than documenting a successful operation, it reflects the growth of a young physician through clinical practice, dedicated mentorship, and international academic exchange.

From Learning Surgical Techniques to Sharing Clinical Experience

Myat is not the first Heart Sapling scholar to showcase achievements from her training at XMCH on CTSNet.

Previously, Oscar A. Flores Flores, a cardiac surgeon from Mexico and a graduate of the Heart Sapling Program, published the article and surgical video “Endoscopic Cone Repair in an Adult Patient With Ebstein Anomaly” on CTSNet. The work introduced the world’s first totally endoscopic cone repair for Ebstein anomaly that he encountered during his training at XMCH.

Oscar was also invited, together with his mentor Professor Lin Zhi, to participate in a CTSNet podcast hosted by Professor Joel Dunning, Editor-in-Chief of CTSNet, where they shared both the surgical technique and Oscar’s training experience with an international audience.After returning to Mexico, Oscar successfully incorporated the minimally invasive techniques he learned at XMCH into his own clinical practice and has continued to exchange professional knowledge through international academic platforms, evolving from a learner of advanced techniques into a contributor to global knowledge sharing.

Today, Myat, who also trained under Professor Lin Zhi, has taken her own step toward sharing professional expertise with the international cardiothoracic community. From Oscar to Myat, young physicians from different countries have gained far more than technical surgical skills during their time at XMCH. They have also strengthened their ability to analyze clinical cases, summarize practical experience, and communicate professionally with peers worldwide.

The growth of these scholars reflects not only their own dedication and the commitment of their mentors, but also the increasing international recognition of China’s cardiovascular clinical practice and medical education. From learning in the operating room to sharing knowledge on global academic platforms, and from the professional development of individual young physicians to the exchange of medical expertise across nations, the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program is helping make medicine a common language that transcends borders.

“Training one physician, advancing one technique, serving one community, and connecting one nation” remains the enduring vision of the Heart Sapling Program.

An increasing number of young international physicians are bringing the knowledge, techniques, and clinical experience acquired at XMCH back to their home countries. Like young saplings taking root in different parts of the world, they are applying what they have learned in local clinical practice, ultimately benefiting more patients across the globe.

Complete surgical video: https://www.ctsnet.org/article-video/endoscopic-repair-of-partial-endocardial-cushion-defect-with-mitral-valve-repair/