Atrial Septal Defects     (ASD)
The heart consists of 4 chambers. Two upper chambers called right and left atrium are separated by a wall called atrial septum. A defect or hole in this wall is called Atrial Septal Defect or ASD. This results in increased blood flow through lungs. This is usually asymptomatic and picked up during a routine examination. Left untreated it causes the pressure in lungs to increase decreasing life expectancy. Diagnosed by Echocardiography, it is Ideally closed before the child goes to school. The risk of surgery is < I %. This surgery is also done in our center through a small incision under the right breast for young girls so that the scar is hidden.

Ventricular Septal  Defects (VSD)
Ventricular Septal Defects are much more complex problems. The lower two chambers of heart, called the right and left ventricles are separated by a wall called ventricular septum. A hole in this wall is called a Ventricular Septal Defect. Ventricular Septal Defects can be associated with other defects. This is the commonest congenital cardiac defect. Small ventricular septal defects usually close by 8 yrs. of age, and can be followed up. This like ASD also causes a increased blood flow through lungs. Diagnosis is by Echocardiography. Decision about surgical closure of these defects are made based on the size of the hole, situation of the hole and the pressure in the lungs. Your surgeon will advice on the need and timing of surgery. Uncomplicated VSD's are ideally closed before child goes to school. Risk is < 1%.

Patent Ductus  Arteriosus (PDA)

This is a persistent communication between the descending thoracic aorta and left pulmonary artery. This is an absolute need for foetal circulation when the child is in the uterus. Soon after birth this closes. If not it needs to be closed. Currently most of these are closed by catheter based techniques without surgery. Surgical closure involves opening the left side of chest and interrupting the duct. It can be a very demanding operation if it is detected late in an adult.






Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Tetralogy of fallot is the most common cyanotic heart disease and we have a large experience in this entity. It is the defect commonly causing a "blue baby". This is a complex defect having 4 components including a VSD & Obstruction to the blood flow to the lungs. Diagnosis is based on Echo. Cardiac cath may be needed at times. Complete correction can safely be done with very good results. Some times in young children when the arteries to lung are not well developed a "shunt" operation is done first before definitive total correction.

Coarctation of Aorta
This may present at any age. This is a severe narrowing of the aorta after it gives off the left upper limb artery. This results in decreased blood flow to lower half of body and increased pressure in the upper half. Diagnosis is by CT/MRI. Angiography is seldom needed. Surgery involves opening through the left chest, excising the narrowed segment and restoring the blood flow by different techniques including interposing a piece of prosthetic graft of suitable size. We have a very good series with gratifying results.

Other Anomalies

Other complex anomalies, which our center has successfully handled are Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), A-V canal defects, Double outlet right ventricle (DORV), Ebsteins Anomaly, Tricuspid atresia, Aorto-pulmonary window and coronary A-V fistula.

Neonatal Surgery

Presently the center does not have the infrastructure to handle neonatal cardiac work. This will be a future direction

Late Results

The most gratifying aspect of Congenital heart surgery is giving the patient a cure unlike other cardiac problems. Majority of common defects corrected at the right time will have an absolutely normal life comparable to other kids of their age.