"Every child deserves a healthy heart — a heart strong enough to run, play, and dream. But for children born with congenital heart defects, the journey begins with care, courage, and exceptional surgical expertise."

"At the forefront of pediatric cardiac care are two highly skilled and compassionate surgeons — Dr. Srinath Vijayasekharan and Dr. Senthil Kumar — dedicated to treating even the most complex congenital heart conditions in children, from newborns to adolescents."

"With advanced training in pediatric and congenital heart surgery, they offer a full spectrum of services including correction of ventricular and atrial septal defects (VSD, ASD), Tetralogy of Fallot, coarctation of the aorta, valve anomalies, and single-ventricle repairs."

"Their approach combines cutting-edge surgical techniques with a deep commitment to family-centered care — understanding that behind every tiny heart is a family placing its trust in their hands."

"Performing heart surgery on a child is not just about fixing a defect — it’s about protecting a future." said by Dr. Srinath Vijayasekharan

"We work not only to save lives — but to give children the chance to live full, healthy ones." said by Dr. Senthil Kumar

"Their team works in coordination with pediatric cardiologists, anesthesiologists, ICU specialists, and nurses — creating a comprehensive and safe environment for surgical care."

"From delicate neonatal surgeries to complex reoperations, Dr. Srinath and Dr. Senthil bring hope, healing, and heart to every young life they touch."

"Because every heartbeat matters — especially the smallest ones."

About Peadiatric Cardiac Surgeries

Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are heart conditions that are present at birth. These defects can range from minor to life-threatening and may involve structural abnormalities in the heart, such as holes between heart chambers or issues with the valves or blood vessels. Some of the most common congenital heart defects that require surgical intervention include Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), and Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). These conditions often require corrective surgery to restore normal blood flow, prevent complications, and improve the child’s overall health.

Here’s an overview of these conditions and the surgeries used to treat them:

a. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An Atrial Septal Defect is a hole in the septum (the wall) that divides the two upper chambers of the heart, the atria. This defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to flow into the right atrium, which can cause the right side of the heart to work harder.

Surgical Treatment:

• Cardiac Catheterization (for Small ASDs): For smaller ASDs, a catheter-based procedure may be used to place a device that closes the hole. This is a minimally invasive procedure, often done in children or adults who have mild cases.
• Open-Heart Surgery (for Larger ASDs): In more severe cases, or if the device procedure isn’t feasible, traditional open-heart surgery is required. A patch is used to close the hole, and the heart is repaired through a sternotomy (cutting through the breastbone).

Key Considerations:

• Timing: ASD surgery is often recommended if the hole causes symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue, or if it leads to complications like arrhythmias or pulmonary hypertension.
• Long-Term Outlook: After surgery, most children and adults can expect a full recovery and lead normal, healthy lives.

b. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A Ventricular Septal Defect is a hole in the septum that separates the two lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles. This defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to flow into the right ventricle, which increases blood flow to the lungs and can lead to pulmonary hypertension or heart failure if not treated.

Surgical Treatment:

• Cardiac Catheterization (for Small VSDs): Like ASDs, small VSDs can sometimes be treated with a catheter-based procedure, where a device is inserted to close the hole.
• Open-Heart Surgery: For larger or more complex VSDs, open-heart surgery is usually required. The surgeon will patch the hole using a synthetic material or the patient’s own tissue, and this is done through a sternotomy.

Key Considerations:

• Timing: Surgery is typically recommended when the VSD causes significant symptoms like difficulty breathing or poor growth. In some cases, VSDs close on their own during early childhood.
• Long-Term Outlook: Most children recover well after surgery and lead normal lives, though some may need ongoing monitoring for arrhythmias or valve issues.

c. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

The Ductus Arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in a fetus, allowing blood to bypass the lungs. Normally, the ductus arteriosus closes shortly after birth. If it remains open (patent), it causes abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery, increasing the amount of blood going to the lungs, which can lead to respiratory problems and heart failure.

Surgical Treatment:

• Catheter-Based Closure: For most patients, especially if the PDA is small or moderate, a catheter procedure can be used to insert a coil or device that closes the ductus arteriosus.
• Open-Heart Surgery (for Large PDAs): In rare cases where catheterization is not feasible or the PDA is large, surgical ligation is required. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the chest and ties off the ductus to close it.

Key Considerations:

• Timing: If the PDA is detected early and is causing symptoms, surgery or catheterization is often performed in infancy or early childhood to avoid complications like pulmonary hypertension or heart failure.
• Long-Term Outlook: With prompt treatment, children with PDA can recover completely and go on to lead healthy lives.

d. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex congenital heart defect that involves four main abnormalities:

1. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – a hole in the septum between the two ventricles.
2. Pulmonary Stenosis – narrowing of the pulmonary valve or artery, which restricts blood flow to the lungs.
3. Overriding Aorta – the aorta is positioned directly over the VSD, allowing oxygen-poor blood to flow into the aorta.
4. Right Ventricular Hypertrophy – thickening of the right ventricle due to increased workload.

This combination of defects leads to low oxygen levels in the blood, which can cause cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin) and other complications.

Surgical Treatment:

• Open-Heart Surgery (Complete Repair): Surgery for TOF typically involves:
• Closure of the VSD: The hole between the ventricles is patched.
• Relief of Pulmonary Stenosis: The pulmonary valve or artery may be widened or repaired to allow better blood flow to the lungs.
• Repositioning of the Aorta: In some cases, the aorta is re-positioned to its correct location over the left ventricle.

This surgery is usually performed in infancy or early childhood to prevent long-term complications like brain damage due to low oxygen levels.

Key Considerations:

• Timing: Surgery is typically done in the first year of life, but the exact timing depends on the severity of the defects and the child’s overall health.
• Long-Term Outlook: After surgery, most children can lead normal or near-normal lives. Some may require additional surgeries or interventions as they grow, especially if the pulmonary valve becomes narrowed again.

Summary of Common Congenital Heart Defects and Surgeries:

Conclusion:

Congenital heart defects like ASD, VSD, PDA, and TOF often require surgical intervention to correct the abnormal blood flow and prevent complications. Advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, have improved outcomes and shortened recovery times for many children. With timely and effective treatment, most children with congenital heart defects can live healthy, active lives. Regular follow-up care is important to monitor for any potential issues or complications that may arise later in life.