Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
With Inputs from Media Release

Udupi, Jun 19: A team of experts from Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, part of Manipal Health Enterprises, successfully conducted a complex heart surgery on a-three-week old infant, recently.

Manish was born to a young couple after years of waiting. Unfortunately, their happiness did not last long as Manish started having breathing difficulty and was referred to Dr Leslie Lewis, professor and HoD of neonatology of Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal. The baby was weighing 1.8 kg. Soon after his birth, he was admitted in NICU, and was diagnosed to have a major heart problem, apart from infection and was referred for a surgery.

Manish was born with a condition called 'transposition of great arteries', which affects one out of 1,000 babies born alive. The parents were further directed to Dr Devananda from Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru who found that apart from the existing challenges, the child also had single coronary artery which put the child at a greater risk for arterial switch operation. However, the baby underwent arterial switch operation which involves bringing the major arteries back to the respective positions along with transfer of single coronary artery.

The condition of the child gradually improved and was discharged from the hospital after two weeks post the operation. Now the child is doing well and is gaining weight. The surgery was supported with financial assistance by Manipal Foundation.

Dr Devananda says, “Congenital heart disease is a problem with the structure of the heart at the time of birth which affects one out of 100 live births”.

Speaking on the occasion, he stated, "In case such conditions are detected, the parents are requested not to panic and consult the cardiologist immediately and understand the necessary steps and precautions. Sometimes, CND may not require surgery but if the case is critical the patient may require a surgery and medication."