Severance Hospital said it successfully concluded the inaugural event of "Iron Child," an event for pediatric heart failure patients, on May 19 at the third-floor auditorium of the Cardiac and Vascular Center at the hospital.

The hospital staff coined the name "Iron Child," expressing their heartfelt wish for the children to live with stronger and healthier hearts.

The purpose of this event was to share health information with children who are receiving or have received ventricular assist devices (VADs) for cardiomyopathy, a breakdown of the heart muscle, and heart failure caused by congenital heart disease, and their caregivers.

The event was attended by children and their families who have undergone heart transplantation after going through pediatric ventricular assist device therapy, as well as those who have received ventricular assist devices following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment. Medical professionals who participated in their treatment process were also present.

Notably, Yook Soo-jin, a four-year-old girl who successfully underwent heart transplantation after wearing a ventricular assist device for 16 months, the longest period in the country, participated in the event.

The event began with participants watching videos showcasing the children's hospital experiences, creating an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement.

Subsequently, Professor Kim Ah-young from the Pediatric Cardiology Department, Professor Hong Joon-taek from the Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, and Professor Shin Yoo-rim from the Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery conducted informative lectures on pediatric heart failure management, pediatric heart transplantation, physical activities in schools, and the risk of heart failure recurrence after transplantation.

Pharmacist Ryu Ha-bin also drew the attention of the children and their families by providing effective medication guidelines for pediatric heart disease patients.

Additionally, Nutritionist Jung Suk-yong introduced a healthy diet that aids in the cardiac recovery of the children, and Professor Choi Eun-kyung from Yonsei University College of Nursing shared insights on the children's education and mental health before and after surgery.

Alongside the informative lectures, the hospital's palliative care team organized enjoyable play programs for the children, providing them with a joyful experience and allowing their families to focus on the lectures.

Professor Shin Yoo-rim from the Department of Pediatric Cardiac and Vascular Surgery expressed gratitude, stating, "Seeing a child who visited the hospital due to heart disease just six weeks after birth now all grown up healthily and attending this event fills me with nothing but appreciation."

Shin stressed that the Iron Child gathering continues to provide great support to children and families facing heart failure.