Paediatric Cardiac Surgery

Best paediatric Cardiac Surgery In Hyderabad

CARE Hospitals are one of the renowned hospitals in India for paediatric cardiovascular (heart) surgery. 

Cardiac surgery in children is recommended when a child suffers from severe heart disease. It helps repair heart defects so the child can have a healthy life. Some heart diseases may require immediate surgery after birth. In severe cases, these surgeries are performed for even months or years after childbirth. The type of surgery required and its number depends on the severity of the condition. These surgeries are performed by experienced and well-trained paediatric heart surgeons to provide comprehensive care to your child.  

At CARE Hospitals, minimally invasive treatment procedures are taken into consideration at first. If they do not go well, our healthcare team is at the forefront to use more invasive methods to reduce the risks of infection. This is the most sensitive period for parents. We understand their situation and therefore offer them the best services for their child. We regularly communicate with them and provide their child's treatment updates. 

Cardiac diseases that require surgery

Some congenital heart defects require immediate repair after birth, while others can be managed for weeks, months, or even years before surgery is necessary. In some cases, surgery may not be needed at all.

Generally, the following symptoms indicate that surgical intervention is required:

• Cyanosis: A bluish or gray tint to the skin, lips, and nail beds, indicating insufficient oxygen in the blood (hypoxia).
• Breathing Difficulties: Issues with breathing due to fluid accumulation in the lungs (heart failure).
• Heart Rhythm Issues: Abnormalities in heart rate or rhythm (arrhythmias).
• Feeding and Growth Problems: Difficulties with feeding or sleeping, along with stunted growth and development in the child.

Our expertise in paediatric cardiac surgery

CARE Hospitals has been the best medical centres for parents who want the best treatment for their child. Our multidisciplinary surgical and medical team work together to review the cases. Our paediatric cardiac surgeons can treat various diseases. Here, we offer the following types of paediatric cardiac surgery. 

• Structural heart disease and valve repair- CARE Hospitals surgeons are experts in assessing and treating people diagnosed with heart diseases or valve conditions like aortic valve diseases, bicuspid and tricuspid regurgitation, and single-ventricle valve problems. Our surgeons also provide surgeries on the aorta, especially in children with Marfan syndrome, aortic valve disease and other connective tissue diseases. 

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and septal myectomy- Surgeons at CARE Hospitals use the best surgical methods for obstructive and nonobstructive cardiomyopathy. 

• Heart failure procedures and heart transplants- CARE Hospitals are one of the leading medical centres for treating patients with a single ventricle. We also provide the facility of heart transplants in newborns and adults to ensure their health. 

• Minimally invasive - These days, the technology for treating structural heart diseases is increasing rapidly. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques can be used. This results in less pain and decreases recovery time. Our multidisciplinary team ensures that all treatment options are considered so that every individual can get the correct treatment at the correct time. 

• Ventricular assist device insertion- We provide the facility of ventricular assist device (VAD) insertion. It is a mechanical pump that helps restore blood flow and heart function. 

• Foetal cardiac interventions- CARE Hospitals are at the forefront of foetal cardiac interventions to provide early treatment. Our maternal-foetal specialists work together to facilitate various complex interventions for cardiac diseases. This results in extensive care both for the mother and the developing child or foetus and ensures a smooth transition from foetal life to birth. 

Risk factors of paediatric cardiac surgery

• Associated risks with paediatric cardiac surgery include-

• Renal complications

• Anaemia

• Respiratory issues

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Infection

• Need for the incubation of the trachea

• Vascular complications

At CARE Hospitals, these risks can be reduced with effective treatment options and proper medications. 

Diagnosis of paediatric cardiac conditions

At CARE Hospitals, various tests are performed to diagnose heart problems in children. At the appointment, our paediatric cardiologists take the medical history of the patient and perform a physical exam. An electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray and echocardiogram (forms ultrasound images of the heart) are suggested for the diagnosis. Further, blood tests are also important for patients with cyanosis (bluish discolouration of the skin) and single ventricle hearts. 

Our cardiology staff talks about every test with the child's parents and explains the procedures. After the tests are done, our cardiologists elaborate on the results and whether a follow-up is required or not. 

Sometimes, initial tests don't provide much information about the condition, and more tests may be required. These include angiography and cardiac catheterization, CT Scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Holter recording and stress testing.

The procedure of paediatric cardiac surgery

The procedure of paediatric cardiac surgery includes three phases. 

Phase 1- Before the surgery

Initially, the idea of surgery is scary both for parents and a child. So helping a child to get prepared for the surgery is an important part of the process. A child initially asks questions about the process from his parents, so they should make sure that they answer them correctly to clear their child's doubts. Parents can also seek help from the doctor or medical staff for the same. Also, parents should tell the child how the surgery will be performed, what will happen before, during and after the surgery. They must reassure them that their pain will be relieved with medications in the entire process. 

Phase 2- During the surgery

The child is given general anaesthesia so he can fall asleep and be pain-free during the process. Then, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest. He cuts a part of the child's breastbone to expose the heart. Once the heart is visible, the child is connected to a bypass machine. It moves blood away from the heart so the surgeon can perform the procedure. He cuts a healthy vein or artery to form a new pathway around the damaged artery. Then, he uses the wire to close the breastbone and leaves it (wire) in the body. Thereupon, the outer incision is stitched.    Phase 3- After the surgery

The child can feel some pain after the process, he is given medications to relieve pain. Parents can see some changes in their child's behaviour. At this time, they should support them and handle them with care. 

Recovery and Complications

The recovery time after pediatric cardiac surgery can vary based on the complexity of the procedure and how the child responds individually.

Possible complications associated with pediatric cardiac surgery include:

• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during heart surgeries, which may necessitate additional interventions or blood transfusions to control significant blood loss.
• Infection: Surgical sites or the heart can become infected, requiring appropriate antibiotics for treatment.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms may develop post-surgery, which might need further treatment or medication to normalize.
• Fluid Accumulation: Fluid can build up around the heart or lungs, leading to respiratory issues, and may require drainage or medication.
• Poor Wound Healing: Sometimes, surgical incisions may heal slowly or become infected, necessitating extra care and treatment.

Advanced Technology & Facilities

CARE Hospitals offers a comprehensive range of advanced technologies and specialized facilities for pediatric cardiac surgery, ensuring high-quality care for young patients. Here are the key features:

• Dedicated Modern Operating Theatres: Equipped with state-of-the-art surgical tools and technologies for safe and efficient pediatric cardiac procedures.
• Digital Catheterization Lab with ECHO Navigation: A specialized lab that allows for real-time imaging during catheterization procedures, enhancing precision and safety.
• Electrophysiology Lab: Features advanced technologies for 3D mapping and radiofrequency (RF) ablation, allowing for precise treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
• Echocardiography Lab: Offers both 2D and 3D echocardiography, as well as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for detailed heart assessments.
• Advanced Fetal Heart Unit: Focuses on diagnosing and managing congenital heart defects in unborn babies, providing essential care before birth.
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit: Dedicated to the care of adults who were born with heart defects, ensuring comprehensive treatment throughout their lives.
• Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Clinic: Specializes in diagnosing and managing pulmonary artery hypertension, a serious condition affecting the lungs and heart.
• BMU 40 - Blood Monitoring Unit: Enhances the safety of complex surgeries during cardiopulmonary bypass, making it one of the few installations of its kind in India.
• NIRS - Near Infrared Spectroscopy: Provides advanced intraoperative brain monitoring, aiming for superior neurological outcomes during complex surgeries.
• ICE - Intra Cardiac Echocardiography: Allows for real-time imaging inside the heart during surgery, increasing the accuracy of interventions.
• Exclusive Pediatric Cardiac ICU: A dedicated intensive care unit for pediatric cardiac patients, staffed by specialized nurses and doctors trained in pediatric cardiac care.
• ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A life-support system used in critically ill patients, allowing for oxygenation and circulation when the heart and lungs are not functioning properly.
• Cardiac CT and MRI: Advanced imaging technologies for detailed assessments of heart anatomy and function, aiding in preoperative planning and postoperative follow-up.

How can CARE Hospitals help? 

CARE Hospitals meet international treatment standards. Our medical centre is established to provide the best medical facilities in the field of cardiology to every patient. Our operating team consists of the best surgeons and cardiologists who are dedicated to their work and are supported by compassionate staff members to provide pre-operative and post-operative care.