Minimally Invasive Heart Defect Closure

In a significant medical achievement at the Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Udaipur, a team of healthcare professionals, led by cardiologist Dr. Mahesh Jain, successfully performed atrial septal defect (ASD) closure surgery on a child's heart without resorting to open-heart surgery.

Chairman of PIMS, Ashish Agrawal, disclosed that the medical team, headed by Dr. Mahesh Jain and supported by Dr. Vipin Sisodia (Cardiac Anesthetist), Dr. Vivek Ravat (CTVS Surgeon), and Dr. Umesh Swarnakar (Non-invasive Cardiologist), accomplished the closure of the congenital ASD using an ASD device under the auspices of the Lifelong Wellbeing Scheme.

Dr. Mahesh Jain explained that ASD, a condition where a hole persists between the two main arteries of the heart, is typically self-closed a few months after birth. However, in certain cases, the opening does not close naturally, resulting in what is colloquially known as a "hole in the heart" or, medically, an atrial septal defect (ASD).

Patients with ASD often experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue during physical activities, dizziness, and delayed physical development compared to their peers. The ASD device closure technique involves using a umbrella-shaped device with two discs connected by a cylindrical component. This device is guided through a catheter to the heart opening, closing the defect.

The medical team's collaborative effort and expertise in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and related procedures culminated in the successful closure of the heart defect, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. The procedure was conducted under the Lifelong Wellbeing Scheme, ensuring the child's treatment was provided free of charge.

This accomplishment highlights the continuous advancements in medical science, showcasing how innovative techniques and collaborative medical efforts contribute to improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for invasive procedures.