Children with Congenital Heart Defects: Surgeries That Give Them a Future

medivisoroffice
Jul 4
3 min read

Each year, over 200,000 children in India are born with congenital heart defects (CHDs) — a condition where the heart doesn’t form properly before birth. While the diagnosis can be frightening, the good news is that most CHDs are treatable, especially with advances in pediatric heart surgery.

This blog focuses on treatment options, especially life-saving surgeries that give children a real chance at a healthy, normal life.

What Exactly Is a CHD?

A congenital heart defect is a structural problem in a baby’s heart — it may involve holes, narrowed valves, improperly connected blood vessels, or even missing heart chambers. Some are mild and resolve without surgery. But others require early surgical intervention to prevent heart failure, stunted growth, or even death.

When Is Treatment Needed?

Many CHDs are diagnosed:

Before birth through prenatal scans
Immediately after birth due to symptoms like bluish skin (cyanosis), breathlessness, or poor feeding
In infancy or childhood through heart murmurs or slow weight gain

Once diagnosed, treatment timing is critical. Some children need surgery within days of birth, while others may undergo staged procedures as they grow.

Surgical Treatments: A Lifesaving Solution

Here’s how cardiac surgery is helping children not only survive — but thrive.

1. VSD & ASD Closure (Holes in the Heart)

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) are among the most common CHDs.
Surgery involves patching the hole to prevent oxygen-poor blood from mixing with oxygen-rich blood.
Usually done between 6 months to 2 years, depending on severity.
In many cases, this can be done through minimally invasive or catheter-based procedures.

2. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) Repair

A complex condition with four heart defects.
Complete surgical correction is usually done within the first year of life.
Surgery includes widening narrowed pathways and patching the VSD.
Results in dramatic improvement in oxygen levels and energy.

3. Arterial Switch Operation

Used for Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a life-threatening condition.
Arteries are surgically switched to their correct position, ideally within the first month of life.
This surgery is now routinely performed in top pediatric cardiac centers with high success rates.

4. Valve Repair or Replacement

For children with malformed, leaking, or narrowed valves.
Surgeons either repair the valve or replace it with a tissue/mechanical valve.
Valve surgery restores normal blood flow and reduces strain on the heart.

5. Staged Surgeries for Single Ventricle Defects

Some children are born with only one functional heart chamber.
They undergo a series of surgeries (Norwood, Glenn, Fontan) over several years.
Though complex, these staged operations allow children to lead functional, mobile lives.

Beyond Surgery: Post-Treatment Care

Surgery is just the beginning. Full treatment includes:

ICU monitoring and early recovery
Regular follow-ups with a pediatric cardiologist
Medications (e.g., to prevent clots or manage blood pressure)
Nutritional and developmental support

Many children resume school, play, and even sports, depending on the type of surgery and overall health.

Access to Treatment: How NGOs & Government Help

Heart surgery is expensive — often costing between ₹1.5 to ₹5 lakhs. But thanks to initiatives like:

Government health schemes (e.g., Ayushman Bharat, RBSK)
NGOs that fund pediatric heart surgeries
Charity hospitals and CSR programs

More underprivileged children are now receiving free or subsidized treatment at leading hospitals across India.

A congenital heart defect is no longer a life sentence. Today, with early diagnosis and the right surgical treatment, children with CHDs can live full, healthy lives.

If your child or someone you know has been diagnosed with a heart defect, don’t delay. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the outcomes.

Because every child deserves a healthy heart — and a future filled with dreams, not diagnoses.