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19 Specialists

Dr. Ayla Oktay

Pediatric Cardiologist

, Istanbul, Turkey

22 Years of experience

Speaks: Turkish , English

 


Dr. Ayla Oktay is a specialized Pediatric Cardiologist in Turkey. And one of the most sought after medical specialists in Istanbul, Turkey. The doctor has over 17 Years of experience and is associated with Acibadem Bakirkoy Hospital.

Association and Memberships Dr. Ayla Oktay is part of:

  • Turkish Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Association

Qualifications :

  • 2016 - Present, Acibadem Healthcare Group
  • 2013, Ahi Evren Chest, Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital / Pediatric Cardiology Specialist Physician
  • 2009 - 2013, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine / Child Cardiology Minor Research Assistant
  • 2008 - 2009, Gumushane State Hospital / Pediatrics Specialist Physician
  • 2002 - 2008, Kirikkale University Faculty of Medicine Department of Pediatrics / Research Assistant

Hospital Address :

Zeytinlik Mahallesi, Acbadem Bakrk

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Dr. Nazlihan Gunal

Pediatric Cardiologist

, Ankara, Turkey

37 Years of experience

Speaks: Turkish , English

 


Dr. Nazlihan Gunal is a specialized Pediatric Cardiologist in Turkey. And one of the most sought after medical specialists in Ankara, Turkey. The doctor has over 25 Years of experience and is associated with Medicana International Ankara Hospital.

Association and Memberships Dr. Nazlihan Gunal is part of:

  • Member Turkish Pediatric Cardiology Association
  • Member Cardiovascular Surgery Association

Qualifications :

  • Medical School - Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, 1978
  • Specialization - Hacettepe University Child Health and Diseases USA, 1982

Hospital Address :

S?tz Mahallesi, Medicana International Ankara, S?tz Cad Eski?ehir Yolu zeri, ankaya/Ankara, Turkey

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Dr. Resmiye Besikci

Pediatric Cardiologist

, Kocaeli, Turkey

29 Years of experience

Speaks: Turkish , English

 


Dr. Resmiye Besikci is a specialized Pediatric Cardiologist in Turkey. And one of the most sought after medical specialists in Istanbul, Turkey. The doctor has over 15 Years of experience and is associated with Avcilar Anadolu Hospital.

Association and Memberships Dr. Resmiye Besikci is part of:

  • Turkish Pediatric Cardiology Society
  • Turkish Cardiology Society
  • European Society of Cardiology

Certifications :

  • Royal Brompton Hospital, Fetal Echocardiography Training
  • Evelina London Childrens Hospital, Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Training
  • Heart Catheterization in Congenital Heart Diseases Course
  • Basic Life Support Course

Qualifications :

  • University Ankara University Medical School, Ankara
  • Bakirkoy Gynecology-Obstetrics and Pediatric Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Health and Diseases, Istanbul
  • Istanbul University Cardiology Institute, Pediatric Cardiology Sub-Specialty, Istanbul

Hospital Address :

Mustafa Kemal Paa,

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Dr. Gul Sagin Saylam

Pediatric Cardiologist

, Istanbul, Turkey

43 Years of experience

Speaks: Turkish , English

 


Dr. Gul Sagin Saylam is a specialized Pediatric Cardiologist in Turkey. And one of the most sought-after medical specialists in Istanbul, Turkey. The doctor has over 25 Years of experience and is associated with Acibadem Kadikoy Hospital.

Association and Memberships Dr. Gul Sagin Saylam is part of:

  • Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Association
  • Ted Ankara College Alumni Association
  • Turkish Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Association
  • National Association of Pediatrics
  • Turkish Medical Association
  • Asian Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Disease Association
  • Asia-Pacific Pediatric Cardiology Association
  • European Pediatric Cardiology Association
  • Turkish Cardiology Association

Qualifications :

  • Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine / Professor, 2002
  • Istanbul University Cardiology Institute Child Cardiology, 1991
  • Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Child Health and Diseases, 1986
  • Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, 1981
  • Ted Ankara College, 1975

Hospital Address :

Acbadem Mahallesi, Acbadem Kadkoy Hospital

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Turkish hospitals utilise advanced cardiac technologies for balloon atrial septostomy?

Yes. Leading hospitals in Turkey are equipped with cutting-edge cardiac catheterisation technology for Balloon Atrial Septostomy (BAS). These technologies include: pediatric cardiac catheterisation labs with real-time fluoroscopic and echocardiographic imaging, high-frequency ventilators and neonatal intensive care units, 3D cardiac mapping systems for precise defect assessment, and multidisciplinary teams including paediatric cardiologists, neonatologists, and cardiac anesthesiologists.

MediGence connects international patients with these hospitals, providing safe and timely access to emergency and elective congenital heart interventions, such as balloon atrial septostomy.

Do Turkish paediatric cardiologists have experience with balloon atrial septostomy procedures?

Yes. Turkish paediatric cardiologists and interventional teams are highly experienced in balloon atrial septostomy, particularly for infants with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and other critical congenital heart conditions. MediGence features top Turkey-based cardiologists trained in paediatric and neonatal cardiac interventions, many of whom have completed fellowships in the USA, UK, or Europe.

What qualifications and experience do Turkish cardiologists have for BAS procedures?

In Turkey, pediatric cardiologists or interventional pediatric cardiologists perform balloon atrial septostomy (BAS). After completing a medical degree, these physicians typically pursue a pediatric cardiology fellowship and a pediatric residency. In tertiary hospitals or abroad, specialised training in congenital heart disease and catheter-based procedures is usually acquired through practical experience. MediGence lists only board-certified, verified paediatric cardiologists with expertise in high-risk neonatal procedures.

What conditions require balloon atrial septostomy?

Balloon Atrial Septostomy is performed to create or enlarge an atrial septal communication, typically to improve oxygenated blood mixing in newborns with:

  • Transposition of the great arteries
  • Tricuspid atresia
  • Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
  • Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
  • Other ductal-dependent or cyanotic congenital heart defects

The procedure is often urgent and done within hours or days of birth to stabilise the baby until definitive surgery can be performed.

Can balloon atrial septostomy cure congenital heart disease?

No, balloon atrial septostomy is a palliative, not curative procedure. Its goal is to temporarily stabilise the infant by improving oxygenation before a definitive surgical repair can be done. Its benefits include:

  • Improved blood oxygen levels
  • Stabilisation of cardiac output
  • Delay or avoidance of emergency open-heart surgery
  • Increased survival in critical neonatal heart conditions

Following balloon atrial septostomy, patients are typically scheduled for surgical correction within a few weeks, depending on their condition.

Is balloon atrial septostomy available in Turkey for international patients?

Yes, Turkey offers high-standard paediatric cardiac care, including balloon atrial septostomy, for international patients. Services include access to 24/7 paediatric cardiac emergency teams as well as seamless coordination of visas, travel, and accommodations, and family support services and neonatal aftercare. Through MediGence, international patients can quickly coordinate time-sensitive procedures, such as balloon atrial septostomy, at world-class hospitals in Turkey with minimal delays.

Can I consult with a paediatric cardiologist online before travelling to Turkey?

Yes, Many paediatric cardiologists in Turkey offer virtual consultations through MediGence to:

  • Review fetal echocardiograms, postnatal scans, and genetic reports
  • Assess the need and timing for balloon atrial septostomy or other interventions
  • Advise on travel timing, NICU readiness, and surgical follow-up
  • Provide detailed cost estimates and hospital stay expectations
  • Discuss surgical pathways post-balloon atrial septostomy, such as the arterial switch operation

This proactive planning ensures the child receives immediate care upon arrival in Turkey.

How can I verify the credibility of a paediatric cardiologist in Turkey?

Comprehensive doctor profiles, including education, years of experience, and procedural focus, are frequently available on hospital websites. A reliable indicator of specialisation is the Turkish Medical Council, the Turkish Society of Paediatric Cardiology, or the Heart Association of Turkey. It can also be comforting to read patient testimonials on medical websites or global health platforms. MediGence ensures that only pre-screened, highly experienced specialists are listed, and their care team offers one-on-one support to guide you.

How soon should balloon atrial septostomy be performed after birth?

Balloon atrial septostomy is usually performed within the first hours to days of life, especially in cyanotic neonates with critical heart defects. Delay can lead to:

  • Severe hypoxia
  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Irreversible organ damage
  • Cardiac arrest

MediGence helps coordinate pre-booked neonatal care pathways for such urgent needs.

What post-procedure care is needed after Balloon atrial septostomy?

Post-procedure care for Balloon atrial septostomy includes continuous cardiac and oxygen monitoring in the NICU, echocardiographic follow-up to assess atrial communication, medication for heart function or rhythm support, planning for definitive surgical repair (arterial switch, Glenn, Fontan), and parental counselling and nutritional support for infants.

MediGence supports families with post-op planning, second opinions, and referrals to surgeons for the next steps in congenital heart care.