Kenyatta National Hospital Statement on Performing First Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty on a Preterm Newborn
Kenyatta National Hospital Statement on Performing First Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty on a Preterm Newborn.
Kenyatta National Hospital has successfully performed Kenya's first balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty on a premature newborn, marking a major milestone in neonatal cardiac care.
A balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open a narrowed pulmonary valve. During the procedure, doctors insert a small tube (catheter) through a blood vessel and guide it to the heart, where a balloon is inflated to widen the valve and allow blood to flow more freely to the lungs.
On 2nd January 2026, Ms. Josephine Pilanoi from Kimana, Kajiado County, delivered premature twins at 34 weeks through an emergency Caesarean section at KNH. One of the twins (Twin A), weighing 2.26kg, was diagnosed with critical pulmonary valve stenosis, a serious congenital heart condition that restricts blood flow from the heart to the lungs. The second twin (Twin B) is stable and doing well.
Soon after birth, Twin A developed breathing difficulties and required oxygen support. Further medical assessment revealed an abnormal heart sound (murmur), prompting additional tests. An echocardiogram later confirmed that the baby's pulmonary valve was severely narrowed, placing dangerous strain on the heart and reducing oxygen supply to the body.
Following these findings, a multidisciplinary team at KNH recommended an urgent procedure to open the narrowed valve and restore normal blood flow to the lungs.
The procedure was successfully performed on February 5, 2026 and lasted about one and a half hours. It was led by Dr. Esther Kimani and Dr. Naomi Gachara, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologists, together with Dr. Tatiana Mutinda, a Paediatric Cardiology Fellow. The anaesthesia team was led by Dr. Mbithe and Dr. Kimtai, while nursing services were coordinated by Mr. Erick Otieno, supported by Ms. Loice Musyoka, Ms. Miriam Kisato, Ms. Merline Mitei, and Ms. Lilian Kasura.
A follow-up assessment the next day showed significant improvement in blood flow and stable blood pressure. The baby steadily improved, was gradually taken off oxygen, and by 10th February was breathing normally. Further tests confirmed continued progress. The infant is now stable, feeding well, and gaining strength under close monitoring by our doctors.
Ms. Pilanoi expressed gratitude for the care her baby received, saying: "I am grateful to God and to the doctors and nurses who never gave up on my baby."
KNH's Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CBS, noted that the successful procedure reflects KNH's commitment to strengthening specialized services and improving survival outcomes for critically ill newborns.
Dr. Lesiyampe further stated that KNH will continue investing in advanced technology, staff training, and multidisciplinary teamwork to ensure patients, especially the most vulnerable, have access to world-class care locally without the need to seek treatment abroad.