About Paediatric Congenital Heart Defect
Key Highlights
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Corrects structural heart problems present from birth, improving long-term health and development.Utilizes advanced techniques, including minimally invasive options, to reduce recovery time and scarring.Performed by specialized Pediatric Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons with expertise in children's unique anatomy.Aims to restore normal blood flow and heart function, allowing for an active, healthy life.Early intervention can prevent serious complications like heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or developmental delays.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a structural heart defect such as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), or Tetralogy of Fallot.
- Symptoms like poor feeding, failure to thrive, rapid breathing, cyanosis (bluish skin), or excessive sweating in infants.
- Evidence of heart strain, enlargement, or abnormal pressures detected via echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization.
- To prevent long-term complications such as pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, or heart failure.
- When a defect is unlikely to close on its own and is impacting the child's growth or activity level.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing including echocardiogram, ECG, chest X-ray, and possibly cardiac catheterization.
- Pre-operative consultation with the Pediatric Cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, and anesthesiologist to discuss the plan.
- Blood tests and a general health check to ensure the child is fit for the procedure.
- Parents will receive detailed instructions on fasting (no food or milk) for a period before the procedure.
- Discussion of medications; some (like blood thinners) may need to be stopped temporarily.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Blood clots, stroke, or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Damage to blood vessels, heart valves, or the electrical system of the heart.
- Residual defect or need for a repeat procedure in the future.
- Rarely, kidney problems or neurological injury.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) for close monitoring of heart function, vital signs, and pain management.
- Gradual transition to a regular ward as the child stabilizes, with a focus on pain control, breathing exercises, and gentle mobilization.
- Incision care instructions to prevent infection, with guidance on bathing and activity restrictions.
- Follow-up appointments with the Pediatric Cardiologist for echocardiograms to monitor healing and heart function.
- A gradual return to normal activities over weeks, with specific guidance on avoiding contact sports or strenuous play for a prescribed period.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering paediatric congenital heart defect in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric cardiology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform paediatric congenital heart defect. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric cardiologists 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 congenital heart defect compare across other countries where we have data.
Sarah Shah is a bright-eyed 6-month-old...
Sarah Shah is a bright-eyed 6-month-old girl, the first child of Anya and Rohan, who were overjoyed at her arrival. During a routine well-baby check, their pediatrician heard a concerning heart murmur. A subsequent echocardiogram revealed a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), a hole between the lower chambers of her heart. Sarah was often sweaty and breathless during feeds, struggling to gain weight, a condition known as 'failure to thrive.' Her parents were terrified, watching their baby work so hard just to eat. Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Mehta explained that while small VSDs can close on their own, Sarah's was large enough that it was straining her little heart. He recommended a surgical repair to close the hole. The day of the surgery was the longest of Anya and Rohan's lives. The procedure, performed via open-heart surgery, lasted several hours but was a success. In the Pediatric ICU, Sarah was surrounded by wires and tubes, a heartbreaking sight for her parents. However, within days, her color improved, and she began breathing easier. After a two-week hospital stay, she went home. Now, at 9 months old, Sarah is a chubby, smiling baby who feeds vigorously and is hitting all her milestones. The emotional journey for her parents moved from initial shock and fear, through the agony of handing her over for surgery, to immense relief and profound gratitude. They now cherish every giggle, knowing how fragile her start was.
Pediatric Cardiologists for Paediatric Congenital Heart Defect
Explore experienced pediatric cardiologists who regularly perform paediatric congenital heart defect and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 20 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 18 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 21 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 1 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 21 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata