Tehran: Iranian cardiologist and professor Azin Alizadeh-Asl has won a gold medal at the World Inventions Competition in Switzerland for an innovation aimed at improving transesophageal echocardiography images, the Ministry of Health says.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Alizadeh-Asl, a professor at the Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center and a pioneer of cardio-oncology in Iran, received the international award for developing a method to enhance the clarity of transesophageal echocardiographic images, the ministry said on Monday. The innovation is considered an important advance that can improve the accuracy of diagnosing cardiovascular diseases and enhance treatment for patients.

Alizadeh-Asl founded Iran's subspecialty fellowship in cardio-oncology and heads the country's Cardio-Oncology Association. She has previously registered inventions including 'Holter echocardiography' and introduced innovations in managing cardiac toxicity, as well as registering LV dyssynchrony as an early sign of cardiotoxicity.

The professor has authored around 450 scientific papers and 30 specialized books. Her reference book Practical Cardiology received the international Doody's award. Alizadeh-Asl is also a member of the Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences and the National Elites Foundation.