Heart surgery successful on premature baby

Vijayawada: A premature baby who was born in 6th month gestation (25 weeks) has successfully undergone heart surgery at the Heart and Brain Institute Andhra hospitals. Speaking to media over the success of complex surgery, chief of children's services and director Dr PV Rama Rao said the baby was found to have heart disease called patent ductus arteriosus, diagnosed by paediatric cardiology team at Andhra Hospitals.

The baby had premature lungs called hyaline membrane disease, for which surfactant treatment was given and baby was ventilated, given respiratory support for three weeks. Paediatric cardiac team led by Paediatric cardiologist Dr Vikram, cardiac surgeon Dr Dilip, performed heart surgery in Neonatal intensive care unit. The child was on ventilator for a few more days after surgery.

Now, the baby is three months old weighing 1kg 800 g, feeding well and ready for discharge. Dr Rama Rao added the success of heart surgery on premature baby was possible only because of joint team efforts of neonatal intensive care unit and paediatric cardiology unit. He congratulated all the doctors and nurses on the occasion. Dr Krishna Prasad, paediatric cardiac intensivist and Dr Bhoojata, neonatologist were present on the occasion.