Overview

Pediatric heart surgery addresses congenital (present from birth) and acquired heart defects in infants, children, and adolescents. These procedures are often lifesaving and require specially trained pediatric cardiac surgeons, anesthetists, and nursing teams.

Common Congenital Heart Defects Treated

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

• Tetralogy of Fallot

• Coarctation of the Aorta

• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

• Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)

Symptoms in Children

• Blue or pale skin (cyanosis)

• Difficulty feeding or poor weight gain

• Rapid breathing or breathlessness

• Fatigue or fainting spells

• Heart murmur

• Repeated lung infections

Diagnosis

• Echocardiogram

• Fetal echocardiography (prenatal diagnosis)

• Cardiac catheterization

• MRI and CT scans

Types of Surgeries

• Open-heart surgery for septal repairs

• Arterial switch operation

• Valve repair or replacement

• Palliative surgeries (e.g., BT shunt)

• Minimally invasive catheter-based procedures

Postoperative Care

• Pediatric ICU with specialized care

• Long-term monitoring for growth and development

• Family counseling and follow-up programs

Conclusion

Pediatric heart surgery offers children born with heart defects a chance to live healthy, active lives. Early detection, expert care, and a supportive environment make a lifelong difference.