About Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
Key Highlights
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Corrects congenital heart defects to restore normal heart function and blood flow.Performed by specialized pediatric cardiac surgeons with expertise in children's unique anatomy.Utilizes advanced technology like cardiopulmonary bypass for precision and safety.Can be life-saving and significantly improve a child's long-term quality of life and development.Often allows children to participate in normal physical activities post-recovery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Congenital heart defects present from birth (e.g., Ventricular Septal Defect, Tetralogy of Fallot).
- Acquired heart conditions in children (e.g., severe valve disease, complications from infections).
- Defects causing symptoms like cyanosis (bluish skin), poor feeding, failure to thrive, or shortness of breath.
- Conditions where medication or less invasive procedures are insufficient for correction.
- To prevent long-term complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or developmental delays.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic tests including echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and imaging scans.
- Detailed consultation with the pediatric cardiac surgeon and anesthesiologist to discuss the plan.
- Pre-operative blood tests and assessments to ensure the child is fit for surgery.
- Fasting for a specified period (typically 6-8 hours for solids) before the procedure as advised.
- Administration of any pre-operative medications as prescribed by the medical team.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) requiring medication or further intervention.
- Damage to surrounding structures like nerves or blood vessels.
- Stroke, blood clots, or low cardiac output syndrome.
- Need for a repeat surgery or pacemaker implantation in some cases.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring of heart function and vital signs.
- Pain management with appropriate medications to keep the child comfortable.
- Gradual resumption of feeding and mobilization as tolerated.
- Detailed instructions on wound care, medication schedules, and signs of complications to watch for at home.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the cardiologist for echocardiograms and long-term health monitoring.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering paediatric cardiac surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for paediatric cardiac surgery in India include Manipal Hospital Siliguri, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform paediatric cardiac surgery. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric cardiac surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for paediatric cardiac surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Paediatric Cardiac Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pediatric cardiac surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing paediatric cardiac surgery.
Vikram Roy is a 6-month-old baby...
Vikram Roy is a 6-month-old baby from a small town in West Bengal. His parents, first-time and anxious, noticed he would turn blue around his lips when he cried and struggled to finish his bottles, often sweating and breathing rapidly. After a local doctor heard a loud heart murmur, they were referred to a major city hospital. An echocardiogram confirmed a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – a hole between the heart's lower chambers. The pediatric cardiac surgeon explained that Vikram's heart was working too hard, and without surgery to patch the hole, he would fail to thrive and develop serious lung problems. The open-heart surgery was terrifying for his parents, but they were comforted by the detailed explanations and the sight of other recovering children. Vikram spent two days in the Pediatric ICU and a week on the ward. His recovery was remarkable; his color normalized immediately, and he began feeding vigorously. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster: from the shock of diagnosis and fear of such a tiny baby undergoing major surgery to immense relief and joy as they watched him gain weight and energy, finally able to be just a normal, playful infant.
Pediatric Cardiac surgeons for Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
Explore experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons who regularly perform paediatric cardiac surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 20 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 17 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon