As per a study report, over 200,000 infants in India are born every year with congenital cardiac disease. One-fifth of them have severe heart anomalies that need immediate medical attention. Pediatric cardiology is a branch of medical science that can save these budding lives. This branch evaluates, diagnoses, and treats heart diseases in the fetus, infants, children, teenagers, and young adults.
The pediatric cardiology department of Aster CMI Hospital is dedicated to provide exceptional care for children with heart conditions. The expert team of experienced pediatric cardiologists are specialized in diagnosing and treating several cardiac issues in infants, children, and adolescents.
One of the critical procedures offered by the pediatric cardiology department is pediatric cardiac catheterization. This minimally invasive procedure involves accessing the heart through small incisions in the skin. The skilled cardiologists use advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and treat various heart conditions, like congenital heart defects and structural abnormalities.
During pediatric cardiac catheterization interventions, balloon angioplasty and stent placement are also performed to address blockages or narrowings in the heart's blood vessels. These procedures improve blood flow to the heart and prevent complications.
In cases where surgery is necessary, the pediatric cardiology department collaborates with the pediatric cardiac surgery team to provide complete care. The team ensures that children and their families receive personalized attention and support throughout their treatment journey.
There are two types of pediatric heart diseases:
Congenital heart diseases
In this category, kids have structural heart problems since birth.
Acquired heart diseases
In this category, kids acquire issues with the electrical system controlling the heartbeat, heart, or heart vessels.
At Aster Hospitals' Pediatric Cardiology department, we are available round the clock to serve our patients, thanks to a lab solely dedicated to cardiac catheterization, which enables us to take cases of any complexity for treatment. PDA stenting, coarctation stenting, balloon valvotomy, balloon atrial septostomy, transcatheter valve implantation, pulmonary artery stenting, paravalvular leak closure, etc. are just a few of the full range of pediatric and adult congenital diagnostic and interventional procedures that are performed at Aster Hospitals with excellent results.
Health Conditions Treated
- Congenital heart defects
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Pulmonary stenosis
- Aortic stenosis
- Arrhythmias
- Myocarditis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart murmurs
- Pericarditis
- Syncope
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Familial hypercholesterolemia
- Kawasaki disease
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Transposition of the great arteries
- Ebstein's anomaly.
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
What is the commonest heart disease in children?
The most common heart disease in children is hole in the heart (Septal defect), which is a structural problem with the heart that is present at birth. These defects can vary in severity and may require medical intervention or surgery.
When is pediatric heart surgery necessary?
Pediatric heart surgery is required for complex congenital heart defects that can't be managed with medications or less invasive procedures.
What are the common signs and symptoms of heart problems in children?
Common symptoms of heart problems in children are:
- Rapid breathing
- Poor feeding
- Fatigue
- Bluish skin
- Poor weight gain
Are there medications for pediatric heart conditions?
Yes. Medications are available that can help manage the following heart conditions:
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- High blood pressure
What is pediatric heart catheterization?
Pediatric heart catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions using thin tubes known as catheters. These catheters are inserted through blood vessels.
Can children develop acquired heart conditions?
Yes. Children can develop acquired heart conditions like:
- Rheumatic fever
- Infective endocarditis
- Infective myocarditis
- Autoimmune responses
Can children with heart conditions participate in sports?
Not all can participate in sports. Depending on the specific condition, some children might be restricted from certain sports to ensure their safety.
How is heart health monitored in children with heart conditions?
You can monitor heart health in children by:
- Regular visits to the pediatric cardiologist
- Regular tests like echocardiograms and EKGs
- Regular heart health monitoring
Advanced Technology & Facilities
As one of India's top hospitals, Aster Hospitals are well-equipped with the most recent medical technology, infrastructure, and equipment.
The pediatric cardiology team here serves all patients with comprehensive care. The goal of this department is to establish itself as a center of excellence in pediatric cardiology. Details of diagnostic facilities and other amenities at Aster Hospitals are described below:
ASD device closure
ASD device closure is a minimally invasive procedure for treating atrial septal defects (ASDs). ASD is an opening in the wall (septum) between the heart's two upper chambers (atria). This procedure uses a unique device to close the hole without open- heart surgery.
VSD device closure
Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are holes in the wall (septum) between the heart's two lower chambers, called ventricles. VSD device closure is a minimally invasive surgery used to fix these defects.
PDA device closure
PDA device closure is a minimally invasive procedure for treating a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA is a persistent hole between the two major blood vessels of the heart. This ductus arteriosus opening is a typical fetal structure that usually closes shortly after birth. When it remains open, it's referred to as a patent ductus arteriosus. During the procedure, a special device is used to occlude PDA.
PDA stenting
PDA stenting is a procedure, where a stent, which is a small metal or fabric tube, is inserted into the PDA to keep it open. This procedure is done as a palliative procedure in cyanotic heart diseases (Blue babies).
Coarctation stenting
Coarctation stenting is a procedure used to treat Coarctation of the aorta. In this condition, the main artery that carries the blood from the heart to the rest of the body called the aorta undergoes narrowing. During this procedure, a stent is inserted to widen the narrowed section of the aorta, allowing blood to flow more freely.
Balloon valvotomy
Balloon valvotomy, also known as balloon valvuloplasty, is a surgical procedure to treat heart valve conditions like aortic or pulmonary valve stenosis. This procedure is considered minimally invasive compared to traditional open-heart surgery and often has a shorter recovery time.
Balloon atrial septostomy
Balloon atrial septostomy is a palliative procedure done to improve the oxygen levels in blue babies who have transposition of great arteries. Here we open the septum (between the upper chambers) for effective mixing of the blood for survival. Later child will be sent for surgery.
Paravalvular leak closure
Sometimes, after a heart valve replacement surgery is done using a prosthetic valve, there can be small gaps or leaks around the edges of the valve. This allows blood to flow in unintended directions. Paravalvular leak closure is a minimally invasive alternative to repeat open-heart surgery to address these valve leaks.
Transcatheter valve implantation
This minimally invasive procedure replaces a malfunctioning or diseased pulmonary or aortic valve. It's often performed on individuals considered high risk for traditional open- heart surgery.
Transcatheter closure of sinus venosus
ASD This is another minimally invasive procedure that helps fix a specific type of ASD. A sinus venosus ASD is a congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening between the heart's upper chambers (atria), usually near the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium. During this procedure, a stent is released via a catheter that expands and covers the ASD, effectively sealing it.
Pediatric electrophysiology and arrhythmia services
These specialized medical services focus on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) in children. Arrhythmias occur when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Pediatric electrophysiology may include procedures like electrophysiological studies (EPS) and cardiac mapping to pinpoint the location of abnormal electrical signals.
Pediatric pacemaker & ICD implantation and management
This involves surgically placing devices to regulate heart rhythms in children. Pediatric cardiologists perform this for conditions like bradycardia (slow heart rate) or certain arrhythmias.
Fetal cardiology unit
A fetal cardiology unit specializes in diagnosing and managing heart conditions in unborn babies. For fetuses with arrhythmias, the unit uses specialized ultrasound techniques called fetal echocardiography to assess the heart's rhythm and function. In cases of congenital heart defects, fetal echocardiography helps identify structural abnormalities early on. The unit collaborates with obstetricians, neonatologists, and pediatric cardiologists to create a comprehensive management plan. This might involve postnatal surgeries, catheter-based interventions, or close monitoring post birth.
