BENGALURU, September 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road successfully performed a cardiac surgery to treat a baby born with critical disorders within 48 hours of his birth recently. The heart surgery was done to correct a rare Congenital Heart Defect known as Coarctation of the Aorta. The baby was further treated for a critical intestinal infection known as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NCE) soon after. The team of doctors was led by Dr. Joseph Xavier, Consultant, Adult and Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru.
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The baby had Coarctation of Aorta, which is a congenital condition where the Aorta was critically narrow. This is a life threatening condition as the main job of the Aorta is to distribute oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. The doctors after evaluating the complexity and criticality of the case decided to perform an emergency heart surgery on the baby. This helped correct many problems arising from CoA like irregular heart beat or Arrhythmia and heart failure.
Another complication that the child developed, due to irregular blood supply to lower part of the body, is a rare condition known as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NCE) that was also treated with medications (NCE is common in premature babies and not term babies). A detailed treatment plan was prepared by the doctor to take care of the baby's critical conditions as well as managing resulting conditions like Convulsions and Malnutrition.
Dr. Joseph Xavier, who led the medical team and treated the 'wonder baby', said, "The baby was born in a critical condition with difficulty in breathing. We immediately examined and found that an urgent surgery is needed as any delay would increase pressure in the heart with serious implications on his heart and other vital organs. We planned a detailed plan to address all his congenital defects as well as complications resulting out of them. After four months of extraordinary fight by him, he is now fully fit. For his remarkable endurance and spirit of life, we fondly call him the 'wonder baby'."
After five weeks of the heart surgery, another challenging cardiac surgery was performed to treat a condition called Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD); i.e. a hole in the heart of the baby. As the lungs of the baby were weak, it was decided to keep the baby on ventilator. However, in order to slowly acclimatize, doctors used a unique technique known as 'Sprinting' to train the lung muscles.
Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Chief Consultant, Pediatric Intensive care unit (PICU) said, "After the complex heart surgery to repair the coarctation of the aorta, the baby was taken off ventilator four days post-surgery. He continued to have mild tachypnea (abnormally rapid breathing) and was put on the ventilator for the second time. A rare infection in the intestinal region called the Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was diagnosed. Term infants who develop NEC usually have specific risk factors such as congenital heart disease, sepsis, and low blood pressure. Later the baby also developed kidney failure, which was treated conservatively."
Dwelling further on the clinical complexity of the case, Dr. Joseph added, "The baby stopped tolerating feeds. We provided antibiotics and supporting measures with a trial of extubation. But he developed respiratory distress and tachycardia. Due to prolonged artificial ventilation needed because of pulmonary hypertension and sepsis resulted in weak chest wall muscles. After treating for VSD, we tried to take him off from ventilation but he physically could not tolerate it."
A unique method of Sprinting was used to train and strengthen the lung muscles while the baby is still on the ventilator. The respiratory muscles are slowly trained to sustain complete and spontaneous breathing. After an enduring fight by the 'wonder baby' and five months in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, the baby survived and is responding well in adapting a normal life.
Dr. Yogesh further added, "The baby responded well to the 'Sprinting' technique. Respiratory muscles were trained and the baby was extubated successfully. The fifth time when baby was put on high flow of oxygen, the baby tolerated feeding well. Then, gradually rehabilitation started and we slowly went down with respiratory supports till the baby was breathing spontaneously. The baby is doing well and gaining weight which are positive signs towards his normal growth."
A visibly relaxed Ms. Arthi Maran, mother of the baby, said, "During the pregnancy, we came to know we have 50-50 chances of the baby's survival. We tried opting for abortion, but the gynecologist advised to go for the delivery and be hopeful. Dr. Joseph counseled and explained me the procedure of treatment. Since I come from a doctor's family I could understand the importance of treatments being provided to me. It was a state of series of emotions for the continuous four months, but none of us, including the doctors lost hope, even when the situation was critical. We learnt to be patient and to have faith in God. I believe doctors did their best and I am glad to say that."
About Fortis Healthcare Limited:
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates its healthcare delivery services in India, Dubai, Mauritius and Sri Lanka with 45 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), approximately 10,000 potential beds and 368 diagnostic centres.
For further information, please visit https://fortisbangalore.com
Media Contact:
Sneha Kumari
Asst. Manager
Fortis Hospitals
[email protected]
+91-8880038009
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