A Little Warrior’s Triumph- Life-Saving Neonatal Heart Surgery at BM Birla Heart Hospital

Background

A 13-day-old newborn was brought to BM Birla Heart Hospital, Kolkata, with severe cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration), a telltale sign of a congenital heart defect. After a thorough evaluation, the baby was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a rare and life-threatening congenital heart condition where the two main arteries of the heart are reversed, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the body. Without immediate surgical intervention, survival was unlikely.

Investigation & Analysis

Recognising the critical nature of the condition, a team, led by Dr. Kuntal Roy Chowdhuri, Dr. Shyamajit Samaddar, Dr. Pravir Kumar Das, and Dr. Satarupa Mukherjee, conducted comprehensive imaging and diagnostic tests. The results confirmed TGA, necessitating an urgent Arterial Switch Operation—a highly complex neonatal heart surgery to restore normal blood circulation. 

Treatment and Management

Given the delicate nature of neonatal cardiac surgery, a meticulous, multi-step approach was followed:

• Preoperative Stabilisation: The baby was placed on oxygen therapy and administered medications to maintain ductal patency, ensuring adequate blood flow before surgery.
• Surgical Procedure: The Arterial Switch Operation was performed with precision, involving the careful repositioning of the great arteries to their correct anatomical locations while preserving the delicate coronary arteries.
• Postoperative Care: The newborn was closely monitored in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for potential complications, including arrhythmias and low cardiac output. Advanced neonatal critical care support facilitated a smooth recovery.

Recovery & Outcome

Despite the challenges associated with neonatal heart surgery, the baby made remarkable progress. Within days, vital signs stabilised, oxygen saturation improved, and feeding was initiated. Just 10 days post-surgery, the little warrior was discharged, marking an extraordinary recovery. The baby’s journey is a testament to the power of early diagnosis, expert surgical intervention, and the resilience of paediatric patients.

This case highlights the groundbreaking advancements in neonatal cardiac care at BM Birla Heart Hospital and reinforces the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class paediatric cardiac interventions, ensuring every child gets a fighting chance at life. We take pride in the tireless efforts of our Department of Pediatric Cardiology, which has some of the best Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons in Kolkata.