Aster MIMS Calicut has achieved a significant milestone in pediatric cardiac care by successfully performing what is believed to be India's first Hybrid Pulmonary Valvotomy on a newborn with a rare and life-threatening congenital heart defect. The baby, affectionately referred to as the "Baby of Lubaba," has recovered well and was recently discharged from the hospital.
The newborn was diagnosed with pulmonary valve atresia, a complex congenital heart condition in which the pulmonary valve fails to develop properly, preventing normal blood flow from the heart to the lungs. Immediate intervention after birth was essential to ensure adequate pulmonary circulation.
The conventional treatment approach involves performing a pulmonary valvotomy along with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) stenting through a catheter-based procedure. While the pediatric cardiology team successfully placed the PDA stent, the completely atretic pulmonary valve could not be crossed despite multiple attempts, making the valvotomy impossible through the standard catheter-based approach.
Following a multidisciplinary discussion involving pediatric cardiologists, pediatric cardiac surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, and neonatologists, the team carefully evaluated the available options. Instead of proceeding with open-heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass, they opted for a hybrid approach.
The procedure was performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where the cardiac surgery team gained direct access to the baby's right ventricle through a limited surgical approach. Using advanced catheter-based imaging, the pediatric cardiology team successfully crossed the atretic pulmonary valve and completed the pulmonary valvotomy without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.
This innovative hybrid procedure minimized surgical trauma while avoiding the risks associated with open-heart surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass, offering the newborn a safer and less invasive treatment option.
The successful outcome highlights Aster MIMS Calicut's growing expertise in advanced pediatric cardiac interventions and reinforces its position as a leading center for complex congenital heart disease management.
The hospital acknowledged the collaborative efforts of its multidisciplinary team, including the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Neonatology, Cardiac Operation Theatre team, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory team, and the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PICU), whose coordinated expertise made this landmark achievement possible.
With this milestone, Aster MIMS Calicut continues to push the boundaries of innovation in pediatric cardiac care, offering advanced treatment options for children with complex congenital heart diseases.
