Congenital and acquired heart diseases in children require timely diagnosis and specialized surgical care. Pediatric cardiac surgery is a highly specialized field within cardiothoracic surgery, involving the correction of structural heart defects in newborns, infants, and children.
If you are searching for pediatric heart surgery in Chandigarh, it is important to consult a qualified pediatric cardiac surgeon practicing at a hospital equipped with neonatal and pediatric intensive care facilities.
What Is Pediatric Heart Surgery?
Pediatric heart surgery involves surgical correction of congenital heart defects (CHDs) and certain acquired heart conditions in children. Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities present at birth and may affect:
- Heart chambers
- Heart valves
- Major blood vessels
- Blood flow pathways
These defects can range from simple lesions to complex multi-structural abnormalities.
Common Congenital Heart Defects
Some commonly treated conditions include:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
- Transposition of Great Arteries (TGA)
- Valve abnormalities
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through:
- Clinical examination
- Echocardiography
- Pulse oximetry
- Cardiac catheterization (in selected cases)
When Is Surgery Required?
Not all congenital heart defects require surgery. Surgical intervention may be advised when:
- There is significant obstruction or abnormal blood flow, as assessed by a Heart Surgeon in Chandigarh
- The child has symptoms such as breathlessness, poor feeding, or failure to gain weight
- Oxygen levels are persistently low
- There is risk of long-term heart damage
The timing of surgery depends on the type and severity of the defect, age of the child, and overall health condition.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon
Parents may consider:
- Formal training in cardiothoracic and pediatric cardiac surgery
- Experience managing congenital heart defects
- Availability of pediatric cardiac ICU and neonatal support
- Multidisciplinary team including pediatric cardiologists and anesthetists
- Transparent discussion of risks, benefits, and expected recovery
Pediatric cardiac surgery requires coordinated care involving surgeons, intensivists, pediatricians, and specialized nursing teams.
About Dr. Ashwani Bansal
Dr. Ashwani Bansal holds:
- MBBS – AIIMS, New Delhi
- MS – AIIMS, New Delhi
- MCh (Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery) – AIIMS, New Delhi
During his training at AIIMS, New Delhi, he was exposed to adult and pediatric cardiac surgical procedures, including complex congenital heart surgeries. He has also received training in minimally invasive cardiac techniques.
Dr. Bansal performs selected pediatric cardiac surgical procedures at accredited hospitals equipped with appropriate pediatric and cardiac intensive care facilities.
Recovery and Follow-Up in Children
Post-operative care typically includes:
- Pediatric ICU monitoring
- Oxygen and fluid management
- Infection prevention
- Nutritional support
- Regular follow-up with pediatric cardiology
Long-term monitoring is often required, especially in children operated on for complex congenital defects.
Conclusion
Pediatric heart surgery is a specialized procedure that should be undertaken after careful evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon. Parents in Chandigarh and surrounding regions are advised to consult a qualified cardiac surgeon practicing in a hospital with dedicated pediatric cardiac facilities to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their child.