Doctors Perform First-Of-A-Kind Life-Saving Surgery, Saves Fetus From A Fatal Heart Condition

Doctors at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute, Hyderabad, achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by performing a life-saving fetal balloon aortic valvuloplasty on a 27-week-old fetus. This procedure addressed critical aortic stenosis, a severe narrowing of the aortic valve that could have been fatal for the fetus. What sets this achievement apart is the pioneering use of a closure device to seal the puncture site—a global first in fetal cardiac care.

The intervention was led by Dr Koneti Nageswara Rao, Chief Pediatric Cardiologist, along with Dr Shweta Bakhru and Dr Sri Phani Bhargavi Dhulipudi, supported by a multidisciplinary team of fetal medicine specialists, pediatric cardiologists, obstetricians, and interventional cardiologists. Advanced imaging revealed that the fetus's aortic valve was severely narrowed, compromising heart function and threatening survival.

Under ultrasound guidance, the team used a needle to access the fetus’s heart through the mother’s abdomen and uterus. A balloon catheter was then inserted into the aortic valve to relieve the blockage and restore blood flow. Unlike traditional methods, this procedure employed a larger needle and balloon due to complications, including blood leakage from the heart. The team introduced a closure device to seal the puncture site, ensuring the safety of the fetus during and after the procedure.

Fetal aortic stenosis can lead to hypoplastic left heart syndrome or even fetal death. Fetal balloon aortic valvuloplasty, a high-risk but potentially life-saving procedure, typically has a success rate of about 70 per cent . However, using a closure device in this context is a first-of-its-kind approach, setting a new standard in fetal cardiac interventions.

The procedure was a resounding success. The fetus showed significant improvement in heart function, and after a healthy delivery, the baby was carefully monitored. The baby has since been discharged in good health, marking a milestone in fetal cardiology.

The baby will remain under routine follow-up care, allowing doctors to monitor heart function and address any recurring blockages through additional interventions, such as balloon dilation. Most babies undergoing this procedure experience good growth and reach positive developmental milestones.

This achievement shows the potential of advanced techniques to treat conditions once deemed untreatable in utero. Dr Koneti Nageswara Rao remarked, “This success highlights our commitment to pushing the boundaries of fetal therapy. The innovative use of a closure device demonstrates how teamwork and technology can save lives even before birth.”

This effort opens new doors for families facing severe fetal cardiac conditions, offering hope and demonstrating the potential of medical innovation to improve outcomes. With continued advancements in fetal medicine, more lives can be saved, even before birth.

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