Pediatric Heart Conditions We Treat

Dr. Khatri provides expert care for a wide range of congenital and acquired heart conditions in children.

At Advanced Heart Care Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a comprehensive range of pediatric heart conditions. Dr. Khatri's expertise in both non-surgical interventions and medical management enables us to provide optimal care for children with various cardiac issues.

What is an Atrial Septal Defect?

An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect characterized by a hole in the wall (septum) between the two upper chambers of the heart (atria). This opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to flow into the right atrium, which can lead to increased blood flow to the lungs and enlargement of the right side of the heart if left untreated.

Symptoms

Many children with small ASDs may not show any symptoms. For larger defects, symptoms might include:

  • Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
  • Fatigue
  • Heart palpitations
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Poor growth in infants

Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr. Khatri diagnoses ASDs using echocardiography, which provides detailed images of the heart's structure. Treatment options depend on the size of the defect, the child's age, and other factors:

  • Monitoring: Small ASDs may close naturally during childhood and might only require regular check-ups.
  • Device Closure: A minimally invasive procedure where a special closure device is placed using a catheter inserted through a blood vessel in the groin. Dr. Khatri has extensive experience with this non-surgical approach.
  • Surgical Repair: For larger defects or those unsuitable for device closure, surgical repair may be recommended. Dr. Khatri provides pre-operative and post-operative care in coordination with cardiac surgeons.

Did You Know?

ASDs account for approximately 10-15% of all congenital heart defects. With proper treatment, most children with ASDs go on to lead normal, active lives.

Dr. Khatri's Approach

Dr. Khatri specializes in device closure of ASDs, a minimally invasive procedure that allows children to return home typically within 24 hours and resume normal activities within a week.

What is a Ventricular Septal Defect?

A Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). This allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left ventricle into the right ventricle and back to the lungs, causing the heart and lungs to work harder.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the size of the defect and may include:

  • Heart murmur (often the first sign detected during regular check-ups)
  • Poor weight gain and growth in infants
  • Fast breathing or shortness of breath
  • Easy tiring during feeding (in infants)
  • Swelling of legs, feet, or abdomen (in severe cases)

Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr. Khatri diagnoses VSDs through physical examination, echocardiography, and sometimes other tests like cardiac catheterization. Treatment options include:

  • Monitoring: Many small VSDs close on their own during the first few years of life.
  • Medications: To help manage symptoms while waiting to see if a defect will close naturally.
  • Device Closure: For suitable VSDs, Dr. Khatri can perform a catheter-based procedure to place a device that closes the hole.
  • Surgical Repair: For larger VSDs or those in certain locations, surgical closure may be recommended.

Did You Know?

VSDs are among the most common congenital heart defects, occurring in approximately 2-6 of every 1,000 live births.

Dr. Khatri's Approach

Dr. Khatri has significant experience in device closure of VSDs, offering this minimally invasive option when anatomically appropriate, reducing recovery time and avoiding surgical scars.

What is Patent Ductus Arteriosus?

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects two major arteries before birth, fails to close after birth. This persistent opening allows blood to flow directly from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, potentially causing extra blood flow to the lungs.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the size of the PDA and the child's age:

  • Heart murmur (often the only sign in small PDAs)
  • Fast breathing
  • Poor feeding and growth in infants
  • Shortness of breath during activity
  • Fatigue

Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr. Khatri diagnoses PDA through physical examination, echocardiography, and sometimes chest X-rays. Treatment options include:

  • Medication: In premature infants, medication might help close the PDA.
  • Catheter-Based Closure: Dr. Khatri has extensive experience in closing PDAs using either coils or special occlusion devices inserted through a catheter.
  • Surgical Closure: If catheter-based methods aren't suitable, surgical closure may be recommended.

Did You Know?

PDA is more common in premature babies and occurs approximately twice as often in girls as in boys.

Dr. Khatri's Approach

Dr. Khatri offers catheter-based PDA closure as an outpatient procedure in most cases, allowing children to go home the same day with minimal discomfort and quick recovery.

What is Tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a complex congenital heart defect that involves four heart abnormalities: a ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary valve), right ventricular hypertrophy (thickened right ventricle), and an overriding aorta (aorta positioned over the VSD).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot may include:

  • Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin, particularly noticeable in the lips and fingernails)
  • "Tet spells" – sudden episodes of deep bluish skin discoloration during crying or feeding
  • Difficulty feeding and poor weight gain
  • Fatigue during play or exercise
  • Clubbing of fingers (in older children with untreated TOF)

Diagnosis & Management

Dr. Khatri diagnoses TOF through echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and other imaging studies. Management includes:

  • Pre-surgical Care: Dr. Khatri provides comprehensive evaluation and management before surgery, including medications to help alleviate symptoms.
  • Surgical Correction: TOF requires surgical repair, typically performed between 3-6 months of age. Dr. Khatri works closely with pediatric cardiac surgeons to coordinate care.
  • Post-surgical Care: Dr. Khatri provides long-term follow-up care, monitoring heart function and addressing any potential complications.

Did You Know?

Tetralogy of Fallot occurs in about 5 out of every 10,000 babies. It was the first congenital heart defect to be successfully surgically repaired in 1944.

Dr. Khatri's Approach

Dr. Khatri emphasizes comprehensive pre- and post-operative care for TOF patients, providing continuous monitoring and support to optimize outcomes and quality of life.

In addition to the common conditions listed above, Dr. Khatri also diagnoses and treats a wide range of other pediatric heart conditions, including:

Structural Heart Conditions

  • Coarctation of the Aorta: A narrowing of the aorta that can obstruct blood flow.
  • Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: Narrowing of the pulmonary valve that limits blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve that restricts blood flow from the heart to the body.
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Underdevelopment of the left side of the heart.
  • Transposition of the Great Arteries: The two main arteries leaving the heart are connected to the wrong heart chambers.

Other Cardiac Conditions

  • Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms that may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
  • Kawasaki Disease: An inflammatory condition that can affect the blood vessels, including the coronary arteries.
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease: Damage to the heart valves caused by rheumatic fever.
  • Cardiomyopathy: Diseases of the heart muscle that affect its ability to pump blood effectively.
  • Heart Murmurs: Expert evaluation to distinguish innocent murmurs from those indicating underlying heart problems.

Dr. Khatri provides individualized treatment plans for each condition, taking into account the specific needs of each child and family. For complex conditions requiring surgical intervention, he works closely with pediatric cardiac surgeons to ensure comprehensive care.

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with Dr. Khatri or a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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