Miracle in the hills: Tanda doctors save teen’s life with complex heart surgery

In a remarkable demonstration of medical expertise and compassion, the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda (TMC), has given a new lease on life to a 13-year-old girl from Bharmour, Chamba. She had been silently battling a rare and complex congenital heart defect since birth.

The young girl was diagnosed with atrial septal defect (ASD) with cor triatriatum — a rare condition where a fibromuscular membrane divides one of the heart’s atria into three compartments, severely impairing cardiac function.

Since infancy, she endured troubling symptoms: rapid heartbeat, bluish discoloration of the lips, poor weight gain, breathlessness and frequent hospitalisations due to chest infections. Her family, unable to afford specialised treatment at distant centres, had nearly given up hope — until they turned to TMC.

There, a dedicated team conducted a thorough pre-operative evaluation and on May 27, performed a high-risk open-heart surgery.

“The child had a large hole in her heart, abnormally connected veins, enlarged chambers and disrupted blood flow,” said Dr Deshbandhu Sharma, Head of the CTVS Department. “Surgery was the only option and we’re proud to say it was a complete success.”

The complex procedure was led by CTVS surgeons Dr Deshbandhu Sharma, Dr Vikas Panwar and Dr Puneet Sharma, with anesthesiologists Dr Bharti Gupta, Dr Aman Sharma and Dr Nidhi, supported by a dedicated paramedical team. Crucially, all treatment expenses were fully covered under the HIMCARE scheme, sparing the family any financial hardship.

Following surgery, the patient is stable and recovering well. Doctors expect her to be discharged soon — ready to begin a life she never had the chance to live before.

This successful intervention marks not only a life saved but also a milestone for regional healthcare. With the CTVS unit at TMC now regularly handling complex cardiac surgeries, hope is reaching even the most remote corners of Himachal Pradesh. “This is a proud moment for TMC and a beacon of hope for families across the hills,” said a senior hospital official.