Training in cardiopediatrics
Key figures
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655 doctors
trained or in training
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30
countries concerned
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4
training programs
Our training programs
1. Training 5/5
"Why this title? Because it's symbolic. In Aeronautics and the Navy, it means that the message sent is received loud and clear!"
Prof. Francine LECA
Accessible remotely and 100% digital, this e-training program is the first to be launched. It's a mobile application offering 3 programs made up of videos produced with renowned medical trainers, quizzes, revision sheets and a toolbox.
Its ambition is to provide simple, practical, memorable and free training in pediatric cardiology. By 2022, 550 doctors had enrolled in Formation 5/5, 200 of whom have already completed their training and graduated.
THE STORY OF DR OUEDRAOGO AND CHERIF :
Dr Tatiana Ouedraogo is a cardiologist in the north of Burkina Faso, 200 km from the capital. With a diploma in adult cardiology, she diligently followed our online training course because she wanted to have the tools she needed to manage small patients. Armed with her knowledge, she diagnosed Cherif with Tetralogy of Fallot. Operated on at the CHU in Lyon in May 2022 at the age of 2, he is now in great shape! Dr Ouedraogo sends us regular updates as part of his medical follow-up.
2. E-Consult'Action
This project involves live remote collaborative ultrasound sessions.
It facilitates medical collaboration between foreign referral doctors and our expert doctors in France, enabling us to speed up the exchange of information, clarify diagnoses and facilitate the decision to take charge of children in the most complex cases. We have also developed follow-up consultations to provide optimum support when the child returns home. In 2023, we carried out around 2 E-Consult'Actions per week, in 18 different countries (90% for patient file review and 10% for follow-up).
FRANCK'S STORY:
Franck, aged 4, comes from Burkina Faso. Faced with the severity of his heart disease, his mother was losing hope that her son would ever be cured. With our corresponding doctor, we organized an E-Consult'Action to refine the diagnosis and evaluate surgical possibilities. Thanks to this collaborative session and the creation of a 3D model of his heart scan, we decided to take him on.
3. Master Class
4. On-site training
Training financed by the Francine Leca Foundation
The Francine Leca Foundation, under the aegis of the Caritas Foundation, finances these training programs.
Our scientific publications
Thanks to its medical activities over the past 25 years, Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque has been able to develop a scientific research program based on the medium- and long-term results of the most complex heart diseases. This research work, combined with experience in the field, has enabled the Association to benefit from relevant series and figures in its field, which have given rise to several articles published in international medical journals, reinforcing its reputation within the scientific community.
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Surgical Repair of Anatomically Corrected Malposition of the Great Arteries Associated With Ventricular Septal Defect
- Year of publication: 2024
- Available in English
- Publication : JACC: Case Reports, 2025, Vol. 30, No. 2
- Authors : Pr François Lacour-Gayet, MD ; Pr Emré Belli, MD ; Dr Jérôme Petit, MD ; Dr Marielle Gouton, MD, PhD ; Pr Francine Leca, MD
- Abstract: This article reports the case of a 14-month-old child from the DRC with anatomically corrected malposition of the great arteries (ACM) associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD). ACM is a rare conotruncal anomaly characterized by L-malposition of the aorta with normal ventriculo-arterial concordance. The diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography and 3D CT scan. Corrective surgery involved closure of the IVC via right atriotomy, accompanied by tricuspid annuloplasty. The operation was successfully performed at the Marie Lannelongue Hospital (France), enabling rapid recovery of the patient, who was discharged to his home country after 25 days. This study highlights the diagnostic and surgical particularities of this rare anomaly.
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Influence of coronary arteries transfer on the geometry of the neoaortic root in arterial switch
- Year of publication: 2024
- Available in English
- Publication: National Library of Medicine
- Author: Pr François Lacour-Gayet
- Abstract: This study explores the impact of coronary artery transfer on neo aortic root geometry during the arterial switch procedure. The results offer insights into the anatomical and functional implications of this surgical technique.
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Multicenter study on late outcomes of biventricular repair of double outlet right ventricle
- Year of publication: 2024
- Available in English
- Publication: National Library of Medicine
- Authors: Prof. François Lacour-Gayet, Dr. Joy Zoghbi, Dr. Marielle Gouton, Dr. Régine Roussin, Dr. Olivier Bical, Dr. Vincent Lucet, Prof. Francine Leca
- Abstract: This retrospective multicenter study analyzes the late surgical results of treating children with double right ventricular outflow tract (DORV) from emerging countries. The findings provide valuable information on the long-term results of bi-ventricular repair in this setting.
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Surgery for severe congenital heart diseases in children from developing nations
- Year of publication: 2022
- Available in English
- Publication: National Library of Medicine
- Authors: Prof. François Lacour-Gayet, Dr. Marielle Gouton, Dr. Olivier Bical, Dr. Vincent Lucet, Dr. Régine Roussin, Prof. Francine Leca
- Abstract: This article examines the challenges and outcomes associated with surgery for severe congenital heart disease in children from developing countries. It highlights the specific obstacles encountered and the strategies implemented to improve surgical outcomes in a humanitarian setting.
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Inverted coronary arteries mostly seen in complex forms of transposition of the great arteries
- Year of publication: 2022
- Available in English
- Publication: National Library of Medicine
- Author: Pr François Lacour-Gayet
- Abstract: This article describes the prevalence of inverted coronary arteries, mainly observed in complex forms of transposition of the great arteries. It provides a detailed analysis of the clinical and surgical implications of this coronary anomaly.
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Single ventricle surgery in humanitarian medicine: which patients to operate on?
- Year of publication: 2018
- Available in English and French
- Publication: Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2018, Vol. 22, No. 3
- Authors: Dr Marielle Gouton, Dr Olivier Michel Bical, Dr Joy Zoghbi, Dr Régine Roussin, Dr Vincent Lucet, Pr Francine Leca
- Summary:
This article evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of surgical management of children with single ventricle (SUV) in a humanitarian setting. The study is based on a retrospective analysis of 138 children treated by Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque since 1996. Of these, 119 underwent at least one surgery, including palliative procedures (systemic-pulmonary anastomosis, cerclage) or partial and total cavopulmonary shunts. After an average follow-up of 5.6 years, the 10-year survival rate for children who underwent surgery was 79%, compared with only 29% for those who did not. The best prognosis was observed in children with tricuspid atresia or a single ventricle with double entry. The study underlines the importance of early management and long-term follow-up, despite the challenges associated with humanitarian contexts. -
Pathologie cardiaque - Common arterial trunk
- Year of publication: 2017
- Available in English
- Publication: Cardiology in the Young
- Language: English
- Authors: Dr Marielle Gouton, Dr Vincent Lucet, Dr Olivier Bical, Pr Francine Leca
- Abstract: This study analyzes the late management of common truncus arteriosus over a 20-year period of humanitarian experience. It evaluates the surgical results in 41 children, with an average age of 3 years at the time of management, and discusses the implications for the treatment of this late-diagnosed pathology.
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Rheumatic valve disease operated on in children and adolescents
- Year of publication: 2016
- Available in French
- Publication: Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
- Authors: Dr Olivier Michel Bical, Dr Christian Latrémouille, Pr Jean-Louis de Brux, Dr Adrien Hazard, Dr Vincent Lucet, Pr Francine Leca
- Summary: This study focuses on the prognosis of rheumatic valve disease operated on in children and adolescents. Based on 18 years' experience of the Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque association, it analyzes the surgical results and follow-up prospects for these young patients.
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Global study - 3000 children operated on
Publication in:
AEPC Congress - European Association of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology; 2017 (Lyon - France).A humanitarian action for 3000 children with congenital heart disease from developing countries
1996-2017: a humanitarian action for 3000 children with congenital heart disease from developing countriesAuteurs :
Dr Marielle Gouton, Dr Vincent Lucet, Dr Olivier Bical, Pr Francine LecaDescription:
The aim of this study is to determine whether the management of children with a single ventricle is possible - and legitimate - in a humanitarian setting in terms of follow-up and improved survival. We analyze the outcome of 136 children with a single ventricle treated by Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque.Keywords:
Single ventricle; uni ventricular hearts; surgery; Fontan; tricuspid atresia; humanitarian