Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority has recognised paediatric radiologist Dr Carol Ng and Eastern Hospital vascular surgeon Dr Samuel Lo ahead of Chinese Doctors’ Day on August 19, highlighting work intended to help patients with complex or critical conditions. The reports say the recognition relates to new treatment techniques introduced in Hong Kong, but do not give its exact name.
Ng, identified as Ng Ying-ki by Star Headline, is a 41-year-old associate consultant in radiology at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. She specialises in imaging examinations for children with complex congenital heart disease and uses advanced imaging and virtual reality when assessing rare cases, according to RTHK.
Ng said congenital heart disease cases were becoming more numerous globally, including in mainland China and Hong Kong. Because each child’s heart structure is different, she said doctors need a customised imaging plan and technically demanding examinations.
In one case reported by RTHK, a critically ill newborn depended on a machine to circulate blood. After discussions involving intensive-care, anaesthesia, cardiology and cardiothoracic-surgery teams, life support was stopped temporarily for about 30 seconds so doctors could obtain clearer contrast-enhanced images of the heart. The scan produced diagnostic images intended to assist with the next stage of treatment.
Lo specialises in blood-vessel surgery at Eastern Hospital, a field RTHK described as requiring microscopic precision and complex decisions. He cited an acute aortic aneurysm as an example of a potentially fatal condition: if the aneurysm ruptures, it can cause severe internal bleeding and death, while prompt surgery to repair the blood vessel can save the patient’s life.
Chinese Doctors’ Day is observed annually on August 19 to recognise medical professionals and doctors who have made significant contributions to healthcare. RTHK reported that China’s State Council approved the observance in 2017 and that it was first held in 2018. The supplied reports do not specify the precise vascular-surgery technique associated with Lo’s recognition.