Paediatric Cardiac Care

Paediatric Cardiac Care Overview

Paediatric Cardiac Care focuses on diagnosing and treating heart conditions in newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. Specialized evaluation, advanced imaging, minimally invasive procedures, and corrective heart surgeries ensure timely intervention and better long-term outcomes for children with congenital or acquired heart diseases.

Common Paediatric Heart Conditions

• Congenital Heart Defects (ASD, VSD, TOF)
• Pediatric Arrhythmias
• Rheumatic Heart Disease
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
• Aortic or Pulmonary Valve Disorders

Diagnostic Process

1. Clinical Evaluation: Assessment of symptoms such as breathing difficulty, fatigue, growth issues, and bluish skin, along with medical and prenatal history.
2. Basic Tests:
   • ECG (Electrocardiogram)
   • Chest X-ray
   • Pulse Oximetry
3. Advanced Diagnostics:
   • Echocardiography (2D/3D Echo)
   • CT Angiography or Cardiac MRI
   • Fetal Echocardiography (for prenatal detection)
   • Holter Monitoring (for rhythm disorders)
4. Final Confirmation: Advanced imaging or cardiac catheterization may be performed to confirm diagnosis and plan treatment or surgery.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Management:

• Medications for heart rhythm and blood flow
• Nutritional and growth support
• Monitoring of mild congenital defects

Interventional Paediatric Cardiology:

• Device Closure for ASD/VSD/PDA
• Balloon Angioplasty and Valvuloplasty
• Stent Placement for Narrowed Arteries

Paediatric Cardiac Surgery:

• Open-heart surgery for complex defects
• Correction of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
• Valve repair or replacement
• Arterial Switch Operation for TGA

Procedure Step-by-Step (Example: PDA Device Closure)

1. Pre-Procedure Evaluation: Echocardiography, blood tests, and clinical assessment to confirm suitability for device closure.
2. During the Procedure: A catheter is guided through a vein to place a small device that closes the PDA without the need for open surgery.
3. Post-Procedure Monitoring: Observation of heart rhythm, oxygen levels, and proper device placement through imaging.
4. Recovery & Discharge: Most children can go home within 24 hours and resume normal activities soon after.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery includes regular monitoring, medication (if needed), nutritional support, and growth assessment. Specialized paediatric cardiac rehabilitation helps improve stamina, heart strength, and overall development.

Possible Risks

• Bleeding or infection
• Arrhythmias after procedures
• Device displacement (rare)
• Breathing difficulties (in complex cases)

Follow-Up Care

Routine follow-up with a paediatric cardiologist, growth tracking, periodic cardiac imaging, and medication review ensure long-term heart health and proper development of the child.