Patna: A new programme launched at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology (IGIC) in Patna will provide free treatment for children born with holes in the heart, using advanced device-closure technology. Thirty children selected from districts across Bihar will undergo the procedure under the Chief Minister’s Child Heart Scheme and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
The children, shortlisted at the civil surgeon level, will be treated by a specialist team at IGIC with support from visiting experts from New Delhi. The operations will be carried out under the supervision of Dr Neeraj Awasthi, director of paediatric cardiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute.
Dr Sunil Kumar, director of IGIC, said the minimally invasive procedure would be performed in the institute’s cath lab to close cardiac septal defects without the need for major surgery. A team of senior cardiologists from Delhi, including Dr N K Agarwal and Dr Ambikanandan Bharatvasi, will be present on Wednesday and Thursday to assist in the procedures.
According to Dr Birendra Kumar Singh, nodal officer and joint director of the programme, congenital heart defects can lead to recurrent pneumonia, feeding difficulties, breathlessness and delayed growth in infants. While device-closure surgery typically costs between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh in private hospitals, IGIC will provide the treatment free of charge.
Dr Singh explained that holes in the heart occur when the septum – the wall dividing the heart chambers – does not develop completely during pregnancy. Genetic factors, a family history of heart disease, and maternal infections such as rubella can increase the risk. Lifestyle factors during pregnancy, including alcohol, smoking, certain medications, and uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, may also affect foetal heart development. Premature babies are more likely to be born with such defects.
Common symptoms of a heart hole in children include:
- Recurrent pneumonia or cough
- Fatigue or shortness of breath during feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Rapid breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Bluish lips while crying (in some cases)
