Healing every heart

At Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town, we understand how overwhelming and catastrophic it is for parents to hear that their child has a “hole in the heart.” Fear and anxiety are natural for parents faced with this. The good news for them though is that with medical advances, many congenital heart defects can be treated safely in Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town without the need for open-heart surgery.

An overview of congenital heart defects

It is important to understand that congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities present at birth. The most common include:

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): This refers to a hole between the upper chambers of the heart.
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): Wherein there is a hole between the lower chambers.
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): a blood vessel that should have closed after birth but remains open.
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): This involves a small opening that sometimes persists into adulthood.

These conditions may affect blood flow, leading to fatigue, breathlessness, poor weight gain or complications later in life if left untreated.

A solution at hand

Specialised hospitals like Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town today offer an effective solution in the form of transcatheter closure. This is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. Here’s how it works:

• A thin, flexible catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg.
• Guided with advanced imaging, the catheter reaches the heart.
• A small closure device is delivered through the catheter to seal the defect.
• Over time, the heart tissue grows around the device, making it a permanent solution.

Yielding amazing results, the procedure is relatively quick, taking less than two hours. Recovery too is fast with most patients returning home within 24–48 hours. This is because, unlike open-heart surgery, there are no large incisions.

Combining efficacy and safety

Transcatheter closure is a veritable boon for patients and now the standard of care for many simple defects. Trained specialists in Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town ensure it is both safe and effective, with a low risk of complications. It is heartening that most children are able to resume normal activities within a week.

When is this procedure required?

It must be kept in mind that not every defect requires immediate treatment. Some small holes close naturally as a child grows. However, larger holes may cause symptoms or put strain on the heart. In such cases, closure is usually recommended. After proper evaluation, cardiology teams at Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, New Town provide patients with the most appropriate and personalised care.