Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
Specialized heart surgery for children from infancy through adolescence
Overview
Paediatric cardiac surgery is a highly specialized field dedicated to the surgical treatment of heart conditions in children — from newborns and infants to adolescents. Children with heart disease present unique challenges due to their small size, growing bodies, and the need for long-term solutions that last a lifetime.
Heart conditions in children can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing after birth, such as from infections or Kawasaki disease). The spectrum of paediatric cardiac surgery ranges from simple repairs to complex reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Nisarga has extensive experience in paediatric cardiac surgery, having performed thousands of paediatric cases. He understands the unique physiological and emotional needs of children and their families.
Key Facts
6,000+
Paediatric & Adult Cases Performed
5–14 days
Typical Hospital Stay
95%+
Survival for Simple Defects
Lifelong
Cardiology Follow-Up Required
Conditions Treated
Paediatric Cardiac Surgery is used to treat the following conditions
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Hole between the upper chambers requiring closure
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Hole between the lower chambers requiring closure
Tetralogy of Fallot
Complex defect requiring complete repair
Transposition of Great Arteries
Swapped artery connections requiring arterial switch operation
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
Abnormal pulmonary vein drainage
Truncus Arteriosus
Single vessel leaving the heart instead of two
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Underdeveloped left heart requiring staged palliation
Kawasaki Disease Complications
Coronary aneurysms from this childhood inflammatory condition
Symptoms
Patients with conditions requiring Paediatric Cardiac 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.
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
Treatment Options
The choice of treatment depends on the specific condition, its severity, and individual patient factors
Medical Management
Medications to support heart function and manage symptoms
Catheter-Based Interventions
Device closure or balloon dilation for select defects
Corrective Cardiac Surgery
Complete surgical repair of the defect in one operation
Staged Palliative Surgery
Series of operations to manage complex single-ventricle defects
Hybrid Procedures
Combined surgical and catheter-based approaches
Surgical Approach
How the procedure is performed by Dr. Nisarga and his team
Paediatric cardiac surgery is performed under general anaesthesia with specialized paediatric anaesthesia support.
A median sternotomy is the most common approach, providing excellent access to the heart and great vessels.
Cardiopulmonary bypass with specialized paediatric oxygenators and circuits is used when the heart needs to be stopped.
For neonates and infants, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest may be employed for certain complex repairs.
The specific repair technique depends on the underlying defect — patch closure, valve repair, arterial switch, conduit placement, or complex reconstruction.
Intraoperative echocardiography is used to assess the quality of repair before chest closure.
The sternum may be left open temporarily in select cases to allow for cardiac swelling in the early post-operative period.
Benefits
Why patients and physicians choose Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
Recovery & Rehabilitation
What to expect during the recovery period after Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
A Word from Dr. Nisarga
Minimally invasive and robotic techniques have limited application in young children due to their small size. However, for older children, adolescents, and adults with congenital heart disease, these approaches may be considered for select simple defects. The primary goals in paediatric cardiac surgery remain complete correction with the lowest possible risk, regardless of the approach used.
Related Services
Explore other procedures offered by Dr. Nisarga
Schedule a Consultation
Take the first step towards advanced cardiac care. Dr. Nisarga and his team are here to help.