Paediatric Cardiology

After its official establishment in early 2014, the division of Pediatric Cardiology has now resurrected in October 2022 under the directorship of Dr Edwin Francis who has proved his mettle in the field over the last two decades. With the prospect of making the department a center of excellence for pediatric cardiology, the team provides comprehensive care to all patients. With an exclusively dedicated cardiac catheterization lab, we are ready 24/7 to accept cases of any complexity for treatment. Complete spectrum of pediatric and adult congenital diagnostic and interventional procedures including ASD/VSD/PDA device closure (including PDA device closure in preterm and low birth weight), PDA stenting, Coarctation stenting, Balloon valvotomy, balloon atrial septostomy, transcatheter valve implantation, pulmonary artery stenting, paravalvular leak closure, etc. are done with excellent outcomes. The department also is the only center in Kerala with a record of doing trans-catheter closure of Sinus venosus ASDs which till now was the surgeon’s forte.

Service Offered

• PDA stenting

• ASD/VSD/PDA device closure

• Coarctation stenting

• Balloon valvotomy

• Balloon atrial septostomy

• Para-valvular leak closure

• Transcatheter valve implantation

• Transcatheter closure of sinus venosus ASD

• Pediatric electrophysiology and arrhythmia services

• Pediatric pacemaker & ICD implantation and management

• Fetal cardiology unit - diagnosis and management of fetus with arrhythmia and congenital heart defects

• Comprehensive care for pregnancy complicated by CHD/PAN

Paediatric Cardiac Surgery

The Paediatric Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery department of Aster Medcity offers surgical treatments for ailments involving the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. We focus on long-term results and the centre is known for its comprehensive cardiac surgical options addressing congenital abnormalities, trauma and other complex conditions requiring intervention. Full-fledged cardiac OT suites with the newest technology are used to treat a variety of difficult heart conditions with sophisticated surgical treatment. Our paediatric heart team is known for its innovative surgical treatments and the best operative skills and post-operative care.

Service Offered

• Congenital Heart Disease Surgery

• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation

• Fallot’s tetralogy repair

• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) correction

• Truncus arteriosus repair

• Neonatal Heart Surgery

• BT Glenn Shunt

• Coaractation Repair

• ASD and VSD Closure

• Intra-cardiac Repairs

• Arterial Switch Operation

• Double Switch Operation

• Rastelli Operation

• Senning Procedure

• Valve Repairs and Replacements

• ROSS procedure

• Extra Cardiac Fontan

• Intra-operative Stenting

• Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

• Pacemakers

• Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are structural abnormalities in the heart that are present from birth. They are among the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 1% of newborns worldwide. While CHDs vary in severity—from minor issues requiring little to no treatment to complex conditions necessitating surgical intervention—advances in medical technology have significantly improved outcomes for affected children. For families seeking expert care, consulting a cardiologist in Kochi Kerala can be an important first step.

This blog delves into the types, causes, diagnostic approaches, and care strategies for congenital heart defects in children. If specialized treatment is required, choosing a reputable heart hospital in Kochi Kerala or a well-equipped cardiology hospital in Kochi Kerala can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Types of Congenital Heart Defects

• Simple CHDs: These are often mild and may not require immediate intervention:

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole in the wall separating the two upper chambers of the heart.

• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall between the two lower chambers.

• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): Failure of the ductus arteriosus (a fetal blood vessel) to close after birth.

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Defects

The symptoms of CHDs vary depending on the severity of the defect. Common signs to look out for include:

• Rapid or labored breathing.

• Cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails).

• Poor feeding or difficulty gaining weight.

• Fatigue, especially during feeding or physical activity.

• Heart murmurs (unusual sounds heard during a heartbeat).

Treatment Options for CHDs

1. Medications

To manage symptoms like irregular heartbeats and heart failure Common drugs include diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors.

2. Surgical Interventions

Oen-Heart Surgery: Repairs or reconstructs the heart’s structure.

Catheter-Based Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques like balloon angioplasty or device closure for ASDs and PDAs, value replacement.

Heart Transplant: For severe cases where the heart is irreparably damaged.

3. Long-Term Monitoring

Many children with CHDs require lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist to monitor their heart health and address any complications.

Caring for a Child with a Congenital Heart Defect

• Emotional Support
  Living with a CHD can be challenging for both the child and family. Counseling and support groups can provide emotional relief and valuable information.

• Nutritional Needs
  Children with CHDs may experience difficulty feeding or require specialized diets to ensure proper growth and development.

• Physical Activity
  Encourage physical activity within safe limits. Discuss with a cardiologist to determine suitable activities.

• Regular Medical Follow-Ups
  Routine check-ups with a pediatric cardiologist are essential to track the child’s progress and manage potential complications.

• Educating Yourself and Others
  Learn about the child’s specific condition to advocate effectively for their needs and educate teachers, caregivers, and peers.

Advanced Technology & Facilities

Well equipped with the latest medical equipment, modern technology & infrastructure, Aster Hospital is one of the best hospitals in India.

• Dedicated modern operating theatres.

• Dedicated digital catheterization lab with ECHO Navigation

• Electrophysiology lab-3D mapping, RF ablation.

• Echocardiography lab – 2D and 3D ECHO, Trans-esophageal ECHO.

• Advanced Fetal Heart Unit

• Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit

• Pulmonary artery hypertension clinic

• BMU 40-blood monitoring unit, to enhance safety of complex surgeries during cardiopulmonary bypass (second installation in India).

• NIRS- Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy for advanced intraoperative brain monitoring to provide superior neurological outcomes in complex surgeries.

• ICE (Intra cardiac echocardiography)

• Exclusive pediatric cardiac ICU

• ECMO

• Cardiac CT and MRI