In a landmark medical breakthrough, a multidisciplinary team at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute (RCHI), an exclusive pediatric heart center in India, has successfully performed a fetal balloon aortic valvuloplasty on a 27-week-old fetus. The fetus, diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis, underwent this life-saving intervention, marking a global first with the use of a closure device to seal the puncture site—a pioneering approach in fetal cardiology.
The procedure was spearheaded by Chief Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Koneti Nageswara Rao, alongside Pediatric Cardiologists Dr. Shweta Bakhru and Dr. Sri Phani Bhargavi Dhulipudi, supported by fetal medicine specialists, interventional cardiologists, obstetricians, and advanced technology at RCHI.
After imaging revealed severe narrowing of the aortic valve threatening the fetus’s heart function and survival, the team used ultrasound guidance to insert a needle through the mother’s abdomen into the fetus’s heart. A balloon catheter was then advanced to relieve the obstruction and restore blood flow. While fetal aortic stenosis treatments typically involve smaller needles and balloons, complications necessitated a larger setup. For the first time globally, a closure device was employed to seal the puncture site, ensuring the fetus’s safety during and after the procedure.
The surgery proved successful, significantly improving the fetus’s cardiac function. Following a healthy delivery, the baby was monitored and recently discharged in stable condition, heralding a new era in fetal cardiac care.
“This achievement showcases the power of innovation and teamwork in saving lives even before birth,” said Dr. Rao. “The successful use of a closure device in such a high-risk scenario is a testament to our commitment to advancing fetal therapy.”
Dr. Ramesh Kancharla, Chairman and Managing Director of Rainbow Children’s Hospital, lauded the team’s accomplishment, calling it a landmark in pediatric cardiac care. He emphasized that such innovations set new benchmarks and offer hope to families dealing with severe fetal conditions worldwide.
As per the press release, this groundbreaking procedure highlights the potential of advanced interventional techniques to improve outcomes for conditions previously deemed untreatable in utero, reinforcing RCHI’s position as a global leader in fetal cardiology.