A team of doctors at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, successfully performed a high-risk open-heart surgery to save the life of a one-day-old newborn suffering from Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a rare congenital heart defect where the two main arteries are reversed. The baby also had a hole in the heart, making the condition life-threatening.
Early Diagnosis and Critical Medical Intervention
🔹 At 20 weeks of pregnancy, a routine ultrasound detected cardiac anomalies in the fetus.
🔹 A fetal echocardiogram confirmed a severe congenital heart disease diagnosis.
🔹 Under Dr. Meenakshi Ahuja’s supervision, the baby was delivered via C-section at Fortis La Femme, before being transferred to Fortis Escorts for further treatment.
Life-Saving Surgeries Performed by Experts
🔹 Stage 1: Balloon Atrial Septostomy
- Performed immediately after birth by Dr. Neeraj Awasthy, this minimally invasive heart procedure temporarily improved oxygen circulation.
🔹 Stage 2: Arterial Switch Operation
- Conducted by Dr. Neeraj Awasthy and Dr. K.S. Iyer, this complex open-heart surgery corrected the arterial misalignment using bypass techniques.
- The three-hour procedure successfully repositioned the aorta and pulmonary artery to their normal locations.
- The baby was discharged in stable condition after 16 days of intensive care.
Doctors Hail Timely Diagnosis and Team Effort
💬 Dr. Neeraj Awasthy (Director, Pediatric Cardiology, Fortis Escorts):
“This case was extremely challenging due to the newborn’s low birth weight of 1.8 kg. Through specialized feeding methods, we increased her weight to 2.3 kg before surgery. Early diagnosis via fetal echocardiogram was key in planning treatment and ensuring survival.”
💬 Dr. K.S. Iyer (Chairman, Pediatric & Congenital Heart Surgery, Fortis Escorts):
“The Arterial Switch Operation is one of the most intricate pediatric heart surgeries, especially for newborns with multiple defects. If left untreated, the baby would not have survived due to oxygen deprivation. The success of this case is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our team.”
💬 Dr. Vikram Aggarwal (Facility Director, Fortis Escorts):
“This case highlights the importance of early fetal cardiac screenings and advanced pediatric cardiac interventions. Despite the odds, the baby survived due to timely medical intervention and cutting-edge technology.”
Significance of the Case
✅ Early fetal echocardiography played a crucial role in detecting and managing the congenital heart defect.
✅ Advanced pediatric cardiac surgery provided a new lease of life to the newborn.
✅ Multidisciplinary medical expertise ensured a remarkable recovery.
This milestone case underscores India’s growing expertise in pediatric cardiology, proving that early detection and specialized care can significantly improve survival rates in newborns with congenital heart conditions.