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Congenital Heart Surgery

Congenital Heart Surgery

Surgical correction of heart defects present from birth

Overview

Congenital heart surgery addresses structural heart defects that are present at birth. These defects can range from simple holes between heart chambers to complex malformations involving multiple cardiac structures. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 newborns.

While some minor defects may close on their own or require minimal intervention, many congenital heart conditions require surgical correction to ensure normal heart function and long-term health.

Dr. Nisarga has extensive experience in managing both adult congenital heart disease (patients who have reached adulthood with treated or untreated congenital defects) and paediatric patients with complex congenital conditions.

Key Facts

1 in 100

Newborns Affected

3–10 days

Typical Hospital Stay

90%+

Successful Repair Rate

Lifelong

Cardiology Follow-Up

Conditions Treated

Congenital Heart Surgery is used to treat the following conditions

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

A hole in the wall separating the upper chambers of the heart

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A hole in the wall separating the lower chambers of the heart

Tetralogy of Fallot

A complex defect involving four anatomical abnormalities

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Failure of a normal fetal blood vessel to close after birth

Coarctation of the Aorta

Narrowing of the aorta, usually beyond the left subclavian artery

Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Narrowing of the pulmonary valve

Ebstein's Anomaly

Abnormal development of the tricuspid valve

Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return

Abnormal connection of the pulmonary veins

Symptoms

Patients with conditions requiring Congenital Heart Surgery may experience one or more of the following symptoms. It is important to note that some conditions may be asymptomatic in their early stages.

Cyanosis — bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds
Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
Poor feeding and failure to thrive in infants
Fatigue and easy tiring during physical activity
Heart murmurs detected on routine examination
Recurrent respiratory infections
Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes
Fainting or dizziness during exercise

Important: These symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis

A thorough diagnostic evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning

Prenatal ultrasound screening may detect some congenital heart defects before birth.
Echocardiography (fetal, transthoracic, or transesophageal) as the primary diagnostic tool
Pulse oximetry screening in newborns
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm and chamber enlargement
Chest X-ray to evaluate heart size and pulmonary blood flow
Cardiac catheterization for hemodynamic assessment and pressure measurements
Cardiac MRI and CT for detailed anatomical definition
Genetic testing for associated syndromes

Treatment Options

The choice of treatment depends on the specific condition, its severity, and individual patient factors

Medical Monitoring

Observation for small defects that may close spontaneously

Medications

Drugs to manage symptoms and support heart function

Catheter-Based Closure

Device closure of select ASDs, VSDS, and PDAs through catheters

Open Surgical Repair

Surgical correction of the defect through an appropriate approach

Staged Surgical Procedures

Multiple surgeries over years for complex congenital heart disease

Surgical Approach

How the procedure is performed by Dr. Nisarga and his team

1

The surgical approach is tailored to the specific congenital defect and the patient's age and anatomy.

2

For simple defects like ASD or VSD: Repair can often be performed through a right mini-thoracotomy or robotic approach in suitable patients.

3

The defect is directly sutured closed or patched using the patient's own pericardium or synthetic material.

4

For complex defects like Tetralogy of Fallot: Complete intracardiac repair is performed to address all components of the defect.

5

Intraoperative echocardiography is routinely used to confirm the adequacy of the repair before completing the procedure.

6

For adult patients with congenital heart disease, minimally invasive approaches may be considered when appropriate.

Benefits

Why patients and physicians choose Congenital Heart Surgery

Definitive correction of structural heart defects
Normalization of heart function and circulation
Resolution of symptoms — cyanosis, breathlessness, fatigue
Improved growth and development in children
Restored exercise capacity and quality of life
Prevention of long-term complications including pulmonary hypertension and heart failure
Minimally invasive options for select defects in appropriate patients

Recovery & Rehabilitation

What to expect during the recovery period after Congenital Heart Surgery

Recovery depends on the complexity of the defect and the surgical approach.
ICU monitoring for 24–72 hours for straightforward repairs, longer for complex cases.
Hospital stay typically ranges from 3–10 days depending on the procedure.
Most children recover well and return to normal activities within 4–6 weeks.
Regular follow-up with echocardiography is required to monitor the repair.
Lifelong cardiology follow-up is recommended for all congenital heart patients.
Endocarditis prophylaxis is recommended before dental or surgical procedures.
Physical activity guidelines are provided based on the specific defect and repair.

A Word from Dr. Nisarga

For appropriate adult patients with simple congenital defects such as atrial septal defects, robotic-assisted repair offers a minimally invasive option that avoids sternotomy. This approach provides excellent visualization of the defect, precise closure, and all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery including reduced pain, faster recovery, and superior cosmetic outcomes.

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Take the first step towards advanced cardiac care. Dr. Nisarga and his team are here to help.

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