The Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute has successfully performed the world’s first fetal aortic valvuloplasty with device closure on a 27-week-old fetus, diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis. This pioneering procedure, which combines advanced fetal cardiac intervention with a closure device, sets a new global standard in fetal cardiology.
The procedure, led by Dr. Koneti Nageswara Rao, Chief Pediatric Cardiologist, and his team, involved using a balloon catheter to relieve the narrowing of the aortic valve, followed by the innovative use of a device to seal the puncture site. This groundbreaking step ensures the safety of the fetus during and after the procedure. The fetus showed immediate improvement in cardiac function and was recently discharged in good health after a successful delivery.
The team’s success in utilizing a closure device during such a delicate procedure is seen as a game-changer in fetal cardiac care. Dr. Rao emphasized the importance of innovation and teamwork in saving lives before birth. In Guwahati, the advancement of such medical procedures is expected to spark greater interest in pediatric cardiology, particularly in regions where specialized healthcare options are limited. Families in the region will likely view this achievement as a beacon of hope for the treatment of congenital heart conditions.