Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : September 23, 2018 10:24 AM IST
Delhi doctors treat Kenya baby with rare heart flaw. © Shutterstock
For Gunwant and Sonali Patil, the residents of Satara District, their baby boy Atharva s sickness that remained undiagnosed, was worrisome. The parents ran from pillar to post in search of aid after their child fell ill. Later, Atharva was admitted to S.L Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, under the care of Dr Dwarkanath Kulkarni, Consultant, Cardiac Surgeon. Post a series of tests, the 2-month-old who weighed a mere 2.5 kgs was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD).
The primary diagnosis said that the vessels carrying pure blood from his lungs were going to the wrong chamber of the heart, which is known as Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC). Dr Kulkarni and the team of specialists - Dr Pravin Lovhane, ICU Intensivist, Dr Sushil Raut, Anaesthetist, and Dr Asmita Mahajan, Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician, suggested that the infant be operated upon on an immediate basis. To repair the defect, an open-heart surgery was performed where the pulmonary veins were rejoined to the left atrium, and the Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) was closed. In such conditions, initial symptoms include bluish coloring of the skin, high respiratory rate, thin built and reduced weight gain. If not diagnosed and treated on time, the disease may progress rapidly and lead to death.
Dr Dwarkanath Kulkarni, Consultant, Cardiac Surgeon, S L Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, said, In cases like this, symptoms usually develop soon after birth; these can be diagnosed during the 9 months of pregnancy through anomaly scans. However, due to inadequacies in diagnostic facilities in rural areas, identification of the disease and treatment options is unmet. Depending on the progress of the disease, emergency intervention is required and failure to conduct the same can lead to death.
Gunwant Patil, Atharva s father said, We are very grateful to the doctors. If it wasn t for them, our life story would have been different. We were unaware of our child s disease and are indebted to the doctors and nurses for having saved our only child.
Adding about the condition of the child, Dr Sachin Deshpande, Consultant Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist, S L Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, said, Baby responded well to surgery and was housed in the PICU for five days. He is now fit to go home, devoid of any complications."
Facts about TAPVC
Source: Press Release
