Docs use novel technique to save patient suffering from congenital heart defect

A team of cardiac surgeons, led by Dr SS Lohchab, Senior Professor and Head, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences (UHS), saved the life of a patient undergoing repair for tetralogy of fallot (TOF), a complex congenital heart defect, by using a novel technique.

“A 27-year-old man from Sonepat district had an anomalous coronary artery, which necessitated a limited right ventriculotomy during the procedure. After the standard closure, conventional hemostatic methods failed to control persistent bleeding, creating a severe risk to the patient’s survival,” said Dr Lohchab.

Sharing information about this novel procedure, he maintained that a large piece of pericardium was adhered to the bleeding site using surgical glue, forming an effective seal and achieving immediate hemostasis. “The patient has recovered uneventfully and is now being discharged in a stable condition,” he said.

“This technique provides a simple, effective, and life-saving solution in cases where traditional methods fail. It has the potential to revolutionise bleeding management during surgery, especially in complex congenital heart procedures. The use of pericardial patches in cardiac surgery is well-documented, particularly for enlarging the right ventricular outflow tract in conditions like tetralogy of fallot,” Dr Lohchab said.

He said Dr Sandeep Singh, Dr Panmeshwar, and Dr Shoranki from the Cardiac Surgery Department and Dr Kuldeep Lallar and Dr Ashwani from the Cardiology Department, along with Dr Geeta and Dr Indira from the Cardiac Anaesthesia Department, played a vital role in the success of this procedure.

Dr Lallar emphasised that this success highlighted the importance of continuous innovation in cardiac surgery, paving the way for safer procedures and improved outcomes for patients with congenital heart defects.