Vinmec Central Park Performs Vietnam's First SEEG using AutoGuide Robotic Guidance System for a child diagnosed from refractory epilepsy
This marks the first time in Vietnam that robotic guidance has been used in pediatric epilepsy surgery, — a milestone that opens new possibilities for safer, less invasive, and highly precise treatment options for vulnerable patients. The case also highlights Vietnam's progress in approaching global standards in advanced epilepsy care.
A 5-Year Search for Seizure-Free Sleep
The patient, B.Q.K. (age 9, from Hanoi), began experiencing seizures in 2021. Despite various treatment regimens and adjustments both domestically and abroad, his condition failed to improve - sometimes experiencing dozens of seizures per day.
For nearly five years, his family sought treatment at numerous medical centers in the hope of giving their child a peaceful night's sleep without seizures.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 30% of epilepsy patients are drug-resistant (1), meaning they do not respond to medication. For these patients, surgery resection of the epileptic zone is often the most effective option. However, accurately localizing the epileptogenic zone - especially in children - is extremely challenging when scalp EEG, MRI, or PET scans provide inconclusive findings.
SEEG and AutoGuide: A Technological Duo to Precisely Locate the 'Culprit' in the Brain
Following a thorough multidisciplinary evaluation, doctors at Vinmec Central Park decided to use AutoGuide™ robotic navigation system to perform stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) to accurately identify the epileptic zone. The robotic guidance ensured high accuracy, faster operative time, and reduced trauma to the brain.
After seven days of SEEG monitoring, the epileptogenic zone was localized in the right orbitofrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyrus—areas densely packed with neural pathways and blood vessels. On June 17, 2025, the epileptic zone removal was performed by Dr. Truong Van Tri and his team at Vinmec Central Park, with technical support from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shunsuke Nakae, an epilepsy specialist from Japan.
The surgery was successful, with no postoperative neurological deficits. After more than one month of recovery, the patient resumed normal activities and play, with only two minor nocturnal seizures recorded - a reduction of over 95% compared to preoperative frequency.
'For the first time, we achieved near-perfect outcome in pediatric epilepsy surgery thanks to AutoGuide™. This is a critical milestone, especially for young patients who are highly vulnerable to major brain surgery,' said Dr. Tri.
Vinmec: Advancing Neurology with Technology and International Integration
This successful case exemplifies Vinmec's strategy to build centers of medical excellence through the integration of advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and individualized treatment protocols. Vinmec has been ranked as the No.1 private hospital system in Vietnam for expatriates and international visitors, according to independent patient satisfaction surveys.
Vinmec Central Park is currently one of the few healthcare facilities in Vietnam, placing Vietnam among the few countries in Asia to master this technique—narrowing the gap with global neurology leaders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Chikungunya might be about to break out worldwide
The A. aegypti mosquito can transmit both the dengue and chikungunya viruses. — Filepic The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on July 22 (2025) that a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. The United Nations health agency said it was picking up exactly the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago and wants to prevent a repeat. Chikungunya is a mosquito- borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating. In some cases, it can be deadly. 'Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk,' said WHO infectious diseases epidemiologist Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez. She recalled how from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya epidemic swept across the Indian Ocean, hitting small island territories before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people. 'Today, WHO is seeing the same pattern emerge; since the beginning of 2025, Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius have all reported major chikungunya outbreaks. 'One-third of the population of Reunion is estimated to have been infected already,' she said during a press briefing in Geneva, Switzerland. The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus disease, making it difficult to diagnose, according to the WHO. Dr Rojas Alvarez said that like 20 years ago, the virus is now spreading to other places in the region, such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya. 'Epidemic transmission is also occurring in south Asia,' she added. In Europe, imported cases have also been reported, linked with the outbreak in the Indian Ocean islands. Local transmission has been reported in France and suspected cases detected in Italy. 'Because these patterns of transmission were seen in the outbreak from 2004 onwards, WHO is calling for urgent action to prevent history from repeating itself,' said Dr Rojas Alvarez. She noted that the case fatality (death) rate was less than 1%, 'but when you start counting millions of cases, that 1% can be thousands' of deaths. 'We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks.' Dr Rojas Alvarez explained that in regions where populations have little or no immunity, the virus can quickly cause significant epidemics, affecting up to three-quarters of the population. Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The latter, which is known as the tiger mosquito, is venturing farther north as the world warms because of human-driven climate change. They bite primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity often in the early morning and late afternoon. The WHO urged people to protect themselves through measures like using mosquito repellent and not leaving water to stagnate in containers such as buckets, where mosquitoes can breed. – AFP
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
XIXILI Empowers Nursing Mothers with Expert Advice by Ricca Tai
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 August 2025 - In commemoration of Breastfeeding Week 2025, XIXILI shows its commitment to inclusivity by collaborating with Ricca Tai, a licensed pharmacist with a special focus on mothercare, post-natal wellness, and breastfeeding support, to provide expert breastfeeding advice for mothers. 'Breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging, particularly for new mothers learning how to express milk comfortably and effectively,' says XIXILI spokesperson Grace Tan. 'It's a deeply personal journey that requires patience, support, and the right tools to ensure both mother and baby feel nurtured throughout the experience.' According to Grace, XIXILI remains dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers with thoughtfully designed nursing bras that prioritise comfort, functionality, and confidence. This combined initiative with Ricca Tai reflects the brand's ethos of empowering mothers with products that support their needs during this important stage of life. Expert Advice For New Mothers When it comes to breastfeeding, Ricca advises that women obtain an accurate measurement of their nipples to help determine the correct breast shield size, which significantly impacts comfort and milk output. She advises measuring the nipple diameter (excluding the areola) in millimetres after breastfeeding or pumping and adding 2–4 mm to determine the appropriate flange size. A poorly fitted shield may cause discomfort, reduced milk flow, or nipple damage. The Importance of Nursing Bras & Breast Pumps Maintaining proper posture can enhance the pumping experience. An upright, well-supported position with relaxed shoulders is recommended. Hands-free pumping bras or dual-function nursing bras can help keep flanges securely in place, reducing arm strain and allowing mothers to focus on other tasks. Ricca further states that techniques such as applying warm compresses, gentle massage, and maintaining skin-to-skin contact with the baby can also support milk let-down. When selecting a breast pump, she notes that lifestyle requirements should guide the decision. Manual or single electric pumps are suitable for occasional use, whereas double electric or hospital-grade pumps are ideal for regular pumping. For mothers who value discretion and mobility, wearable, hands-free pumps with quiet operation and leak-proof designs are practical options. XIXILI's Innovative Designs For Breastfeeding Mothers The Ultra Soft Pansy Maternity Nursing Bra is designed to offer both comfort and practicality for new mothers. This seamless maternity bra is ideal for wearing at home or on casual days out, providing a wire-free, high-coverage fit. Crafted with ultra-soft, stretchy knitted fabric, it features removable cup pads for optional shaping and coverage, a breathable centre mesh panel for better ventilation, and a wide, snug elastic band under the bust for lasting comfort. The U-shape back wing, adjustable shoulder straps, and three-panel hook fastening offer reliable support, while easy-access clips allow breastfeeding with just one hand. By combining thoughtful design with comfort and elegance, XIXILI's nursing bra and bralette collections are crafted to help mothers feel both supported and confident throughout their breastfeeding journey. The collections are available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. For more information, visit XIXILI's official website. Hashtag: #XIXILI The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Malaysiakini
Mental strain behind breastfeeding
COMMENT | World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from Aug 1 to 7, is a global initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and various ministries of health and civil society partners. It serves as a platform to highlight breastfeeding as a foundation for lifelong health, development, and equity. Breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to ensure a child's health and survival. It provides safe, nutrient-rich nourishment packed with antibodies that protect against illness, while also strengthening the emotional bond between mother and infant. While physical breastfeeding challenges are often acknowledged, the emotional and psychological toll remains underdiscussed. For many Malaysian mothers, the experience is deeply emotional, entangled with guilt, stress, and isolation. Breastfeeding in Malaysia is often a mother's determination, supported by encouragement from her partner.
