“Catheter interventions

It is a specialized procedures that allow us to treat certain heart problems in your child without needing open-heart surgery. These procedures involve using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, which is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, we can use it to fix issues like narrowing of blood vessels, heart valve problems, or holes in the heart.

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

Preparation:

When you and your child arrive, they’ll be taken to the cardiac catheterization lab, or cath lab. Your child will change into a hospital gown, and we’ll explain the procedure in detail to you both so you know what to expect.
We’ll place an IV in your child’s arm to give fluids and any necessary medications during the procedure. Your child will receive medication to help them relax, and they might be given a sedative or general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and don’t feel any pain.

Inserting the Catheter:

The doctor will numb a small area on your child’s groin, arm, or wrist, where the catheter will be inserted. After the area is numb, a small incision is made, and the catheter is gently inserted into a blood vessel. The catheter is then carefully guided through the blood vessel up to the heart. Your child won’t feel the catheter moving inside their body.

Performing the Intervention:

Once the catheter is in place, the doctor will use it to perform the necessary treatment. Depending on your child’s condition, this might involve:

Balloon Angioplasty: A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to widen narrowed blood vessels or open up a blocked heart valve.
Stent Placement: After widening a blood vessel with balloon angioplasty, a tiny mesh tube called a stent might be placed to keep the vessel open.
Closing a Hole in the Heart: If your child has a hole in the heart (like an atrial septal defect or a patent ductus arteriosus), a special device can be delivered through the catheter to close the hole.
Valve Repair or Replacement: In some cases, we can repair or replace a heart valve using a catheter, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery.
Monitoring the Heart: Throughout the procedure, we’ll be using imaging techniques like X-ray or ultrasound to see exactly where the catheter is and to guide the intervention. This ensures that everything is done with great precision.
Completing the Procedure: Once the intervention is complete, the catheter is carefully removed, and the insertion site is closed. This might involve applying pressure, using a special closure device, or placing a small stitch.
Your child will then be taken to a recovery area where they’ll be monitored as they wake up from the anesthesia or sedative.
After the Procedure: Your child will need to rest for a few hours in the hospital. The team will monitor them closely to ensure there are no complications.
Most children can go home the same day, but in some cases, an overnight stay might be necessary for observation. We’ll give you detailed instructions on how to care for your child at home, including how to take care of the insertion site and what activities to avoid for the next few days.

Why We Use Catheter Interventions:

Catheter interventions are a less invasive way to treat heart problems compared to open-heart surgery. They often involve shorter recovery times, less pain, and fewer risks. These procedures are highly effective for treating many heart conditions and can be a good option for children with specific heart issues. It’s a safe and effective way to treat your child’s heart condition with minimal discomfort. We’ll take every precaution to ensure your child is comfortable and well cared for throughout the procedure, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.