Congenital heart defects in children are not very rare. An article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in November 2011, cited a study of worldwide 24,091,867 births, and CHD was identified in 164,396 individuals. While Congenital Heart Disease is the most common one, other defects include hole in the heart, Atrial or Ventral Septal Defect, Atrio-ventricular Canal Defect, and Transposition of The Great Arteries. In some cases, heart surgeries are necessitated.
The smallest of bodies require the most compassionate care. Professionals trained for repairing hearts in newborns are called pediatric cardiac surgeons.
In Open Heart Surgeries, the function of the heart is put on a halt with the help of a solution called ‘cardioplegia’ which is high in potassium and protects the heart muscles while it is stopped. The function is taken over by a heart-lung bypass machine, which becomes completely responsible for the delivery of oxygenated blood in a child’s body. The heart is either repaired in a bloodless, still and sterile environment or inside the breathing body.
Preparing your child for such a process can be a challenge, for they are not always capable of speaking what bothers them. They might not be able to answer medical questions or be cooperative through ECGs and X-Rays. This is why it is very important to figure a team of trained specialists who are better able to handle a child’s anxieties. Ask around and read reviews that mostly help.
The team of your pediatric cardiac surgeon should be well equipped and trained to take care of the child and its family through such distressful times. When we say ‘team’ we include your surgeon, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, heart-imaging specialists, physicians, intensivists, nurses and paramedical staff. It’s important that they are easy to approach and communicate with and regularly keep you updated about the status of your child.
Sit down with the team and understand the line of treatment, what their approach is and why, if you have any doubt – clear it. Take multiple opinions if you want (just enough so you don’t delay or get confused), knowing what you have on the plate helps.
Any major complications and deformities in the chest wall due to pediatric heart surgeries are rare. The risk of embolization of the brain is less than 1%, according to an article by Cincinnati Children Organization. Bleeding is expected and therefore easily controlled by Heparin and other medication along with the dressing.
The heart will need it’s time to adapt to the new physiology after the repair surgery, and its function might be depressed for some time. It’s usually taken care of through intensive care and medication.
Usually, a heart defect is detected right after birth, sometimes even before. However, if a child is not diagnosed, and yet shows above mentioned symptoms, then do not delay in letting your doctor know. Early detection and early care are great positive in the condition.