Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute has achieved a world-first milestone by successfully performing fetal balloon aortic valvuloplasty with device closure on a 27-week-old fetus diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis. This pioneering procedure, which involved sealing the puncture site with a device after relieving the valve obstruction, sets a new global benchmark in fetal cardiology.
The groundbreaking procedure, led by Dr. Koneti Nageswara Rao, Chief Pediatric Cardiologist, along with Dr. Shweta Bakhru and Dr. Sri Phani Bhargavi Dhulipudi, utilized state-of-the-art technology to perform the life-saving intervention. The fetus showed significant improvement in cardiac function and was recently discharged in good health following a successful delivery.
Dr. Rao hailed the achievement as a testament to the institute’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of fetal therapy. He stressed the power of innovation and teamwork in saving lives before birth. This advancement could significantly impact the healthcare sector in Guwahati. With rising awareness of advanced pediatric care, families in the region may seek specialized treatments for congenital heart conditions. This could lead to increased demand for pediatric cardiac services and attract further investments in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in northeastern India, where such procedures are still rare.
