Three Pediatric Heart Surgeries Successfully Completed
The Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo (KCUS) recently welcomed Swedish specialists in pediatric cardiac surgery and 3D medical technology. Their official visit was marked by a press conference highlighting the collaboration and its achievements.
During their stay, the visiting team performed three complex pediatric heart surgeries alongside KCUS surgeons. In addition, they led specialized lectures and training sessions on pediatric cardiac surgery and the use of 3D printing in medicine.
Addressing the media were Dr. Edin Omerbašić, a pediatric cardiac surgeon, and Muris Imširović, a 3D printing expert—both guests from Sweden. They were joined by Dr. Sanko Pandur, acting director of the KCUS Department for Science and Education, and Nina Mišković, Secretary of the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dr. Pandur emphasized that KCUS is actively striving to connect with leading global health centers and that, in this effort, it receives significant support and assistance from doctors of Bosnian-Herzegovinian origin who have built their careers in foreign centers.
“Doctors of Bosnian origin abroad have expressed their willingness to come and support their homeland in strengthening the healthcare system. Their readiness has been recognized by the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, which has launched an excellent initiative to establish contacts and build bridges with our experts outside Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thanks to these activities, today we have with us Dr. Edin Omerbašić, pediatric cardiac surgeon, and Mr. Muris Imširović, a 3D printing expert. This visit has resulted in numerous educational sessions over the past two days, and Dr. Omerbašić, together with KCUS cardiac surgeons, performed three pediatric surgeries,” said Dr. Pandur.
Nina Mišković highlighted that the visit of Omerbašić and Imširović to KCUS was supported by the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the program “Transfer of Knowledge from Diaspora Experts to Public Institutions in BiH,” based on the application from the Clinical Center and the Department for Science, Education, and Development at KCUS. It was also emphasized that such programs will continue.
“We are very proud of this program, which we have been implementing for the past three years, and within which we had 18 knowledge transfers in 2023 and 2024, with 15 more planned this year. Annually, we allocate about 60,000 KM for this activity, and given the interest of our experts abroad and healthcare institutions in BiH, we strive to secure more funding through donors so that more of our experts can share their experiences in various fields in BiH,” stated Mišković.
Dr. Dr. Edin Omerbašić expressed his joy at visiting Sarajevo, where he was born, educated, and took his first career steps. “I began my surgical journey at KCUS and received my first education there—the foundation that shaped me as a professional and as a person. I believe that great things start with the initiative of individuals, but for them to thrive, they must be embraced by institutions—organizations with knowledge, responsibility, and vision. I can promise that I will do everything in my power for this cooperation to thrive again and for the exchange of knowledge and experience between BiH and world experts to become mutual, continuous, and sustainable. Not for us, but for the children, because their hearts deserve the best,” said Dr. Omerbašić.
Muris Imširović explained the functionality of 3D printing in medicine and highlighted the benefits of applying this technology, which is a significant step forward in improving medical practice and patient treatment. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit KCUS and contribute to the development of this healthcare institution.
