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An echocardiogram is a painless, non-invasive procedure. To prepare your child:

• No special dietary restrictions are needed
• Have your child wear comfortable, easily removable top clothing
• For young children, bringing a favorite toy or comfort item can help
• Explain the procedure in simple terms appropriate for their age - they will lie on a bed while a technician uses a special camera that uses "jelly" to see pictures of their heart
• For infants, try to schedule around nap times if possible

The procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes and is completely painless.

A fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound that examines the heart of an unborn baby while still in the mother's womb. It is typically performed in the second trimester of pregnancy (between 18-24 weeks).

This test may be recommended if:

• A routine ultrasound detected a potential heart abnormality
• There is a family history of congenital heart defects
• The mother has certain medical conditions like diabetes or lupus
• The mother has taken certain medications during pregnancy
• There are abnormalities in other fetal organs
• The fetus has a chromosomal abnormality

Early detection of heart defects before birth allows for better planning and preparation for any necessary treatments after delivery.

Device closure procedures (for ASD, VSD, or PDA) are minimally invasive and typically have quick recovery times compared to open-heart surgery:

• Most patients can go home within 24 hours after the procedure
• Your child may need to rest for 1-2 days
• Normal activities can usually be resumed within a week
• Strenuous activities and sports should be avoided for 2-4 weeks (Dr. Khatri will provide specific guidance)
• A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure proper healing and device placement

Each child's recovery may vary based on their specific condition, age, and overall health. Dr. Khatri will provide detailed post-procedure care instructions tailored to your child.

The need for long-term follow-up depends on your child's specific heart condition:

• Children with successfully treated conditions like small ASDs or PDAs may only need periodic check-ups for a few years
• Those with more complex conditions or who have undergone device closures or surgical repairs typically require longer-term monitoring
• Some children will need lifelong cardiac care, though the frequency of visits may decrease over time

Dr. Khatri will develop a personalized follow-up plan based on your child's specific situation, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of ongoing care while minimizing unnecessary medical visits.