Preterm Infant with Rare Brain Malformation Successfully Transferred to Guangzhou for Lifesaving Treatment

A 29-week preterm baby girl weighing only 2 kg was diagnosed with a rare vascular brain malformation—Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation (VGAM). Facing heart failure risk and in urgent need of specialized care, she was successfully transferred over 500 kilometers from Chenzhou to Guangzhou via high-speed rail. The joint efforts of TKP and Guangzhou's NICU team ensured a safe, efficient, and timely neonatal transport.

TKP neonatal team arrives at Chenzhou hospital with specialized equipment for the critical transfer

Critical Diagnosis & Immediate Risk

VGAM is a rare and complex congenital brain malformation, making up about 1% of intracranial vascular anomalies. The baby, born at 29 weeks and only 2 kg, presented with severe cyanosis and was quickly diagnosed with VGAM. The condition caused abnormal blood flow to the heart and lungs, leading to pulmonary hypertension and the risk of right-sided heart failure. The local NICU lacked the necessary resources for staged interventional embolization, making urgent transfer essential.

Stretcher and incubator installed in the business-class cabin of the high-speed train to Guangzhou

Specialized Planning for Neonatal Transfer

Transporting a critically ill preterm infant poses significant medical challenges. In this case, TKP activated its “Jump Cloud” program for neonatal transport, assembling a team with extensive NICU transfer experience. The medical team collaborated closely with specialists in Guangzhou to assess the required equipment, medications, and protocols for safe transfer. A customized portable incubator, oxygen support, and monitoring systems were prepared overnight.

Baby safely admitted to Guangzhou NICU, greeted by a team ready for immediate treatment

High-Speed Coordination & Hopeful Arrival

Given the 500+ km distance and the urgency of care, the teams agreed on high-speed rail as the optimal transfer method. The stretcher was securely installed in the business class compartment, ensuring a stable and comfortable environment for the infant. That night, the baby was successfully admitted to the NICU of a leading hospital in Guangzhou, where a new chapter of treatment and hope begins. This marks the fifth successful case under the neonatal transport MOU between TKP and Guangzhou Children’s Hospital.

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