Rare Heart Defect in Two-Month-Old Infant Successfully Treated at KIMS Cuddles, Kondapur
In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at KIMS Cuddles Hospital in Kondapur successfully performed a complex life-saving surgery on a two-month-old infant diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect, giving the child a new lease of life.
Hyderabad: In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at KIMS Cuddles Hospital in Kondapur successfully performed a complex life-saving surgery on a two-month-old infant diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect, giving the child a new lease of life.
The infant, from Khammam district, was brought to the hospital with breathing difficulties and signs of heart failure. Upon evaluation, doctors detected an abnormality in the heart. A detailed echocardiogram conducted by the pediatric cardiology team revealed a rare condition known as ARCAPA (Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery). The diagnosis was later confirmed through an aortogram.
ARCAPA is a rare congenital anomaly in which the right coronary artery originates from the pulmonary artery instead of the aorta, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to the heart. If left untreated, it can result in severe complications, including sudden infant death.
Following the diagnosis, the medical team proceeded with an intricate open-heart surgery. During the procedure, surgeons carefully detached the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery and reimplanted it into the aorta using a specialised technique, restoring normal blood flow to the heart.
Post-surgery, the infant was closely monitored in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and received comprehensive critical care support, including ventilator assistance, medications to support heart function, and anticoagulant therapy to prevent clot formation. Peritoneal dialysis was also administered when required.
Doctors highlighted that performing heart surgery on such young infants is highly challenging due to the tiny size of blood vessels and the complexity of maintaining stable circulation during the procedure. Despite these challenges, the surgery was successful, and the infant has now recovered well and has been discharged.
The case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and timely medical intervention in congenital heart diseases. Experts noted that with advancements in neonatal cardiac care, even critically ill infants can be successfully treated and saved.
ARCAPA remains an extremely rare condition, accounting for approximately 0.25 per cent of congenital heart anomalies, making this successful outcome a significant milestone in pediatric cardiac care.
