Lead story: GNDH treats rare heart condition with success

In a groundbreaking achievement, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital (GNDH) has successfully treated a 13-year-old patient suffering from a rare congenital heart disorder, marking a significant milestone in the field of paediatric cardiology intervention. The complex surgery has established GNDH as the first government hospital in the northern region to perform such a procedure.

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The patient was diagnosed with ‘Sinus Venosus ASD’, associated with ‘Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Vein Connection (PAPVC)’, a rare congenital heart disease that occurs in only one in 10 lakh children. The condition often leads to breathing difficulties, growth hindrance and frequent upper respiratory tract infections.

Dr Parminder Singh, in-charge of the Cath Lab at GNDH, led the team that performed the surgery. Traditionally, this condition is treated through open-heart surgery, requiring cardio-pulmonary bypass, which carries risks of complications. However, the GNDH team successfully conducted a minimally invasive procedure, showcasing their expertise and dedication.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney visited the hospital to congratulate the medical team and the patient’s family on the successful surgery. She revealed that Dr Sunit had brought the child’s condition to her notice under the National Child Health Programme, leading to consultations with Dr Parminder and the subsequent surgery. As a token of appreciation, Sawhney presented a cheque for Rs 2.5 lakh to the hospital with the help of Red Cross.

MLA Dr Ajay Gupta also attended the event, expressing pride in the hospital’s achievement. He thanked the Red Cross and the medical team, including Dr Parminder Singh, Principal Dr Rajiv Devgan, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr IPS Grover and the nursing staff for their tireless efforts.

The remarkable achievement highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced medical care and serves as a beacon of hope for patients with rare and complex conditions. The catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) at GMC became operational in year 2021 and since then, it has helped in saving thousands of crucial lives by providing state-of-the-art cardiology services at affordable costs.

Dr Rajiv Devgan said that the child is recovering well and is healthy now. He added that in the present times, heart ailments are no more seen as diseases of the rich and those with a sedentary lifestyle. Even young and hardworking people are coming up with heart complexities. The Cath Lab run at the GMC is a boon for poor patients as it is providing cost-effective treatment to them, he added.

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