Minimally invasive procedure corrects rare heart defect in 64-year-old in Madurai

Madurai: Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital in Madurai has successfully treated a 64-year-old farmer with a rare congenital heart defect — sinus venosus atrial septal defect (ASD) — using a minimally invasive transcatheter technique, avoiding open-heart surgery.The patient had presented with worsening breathlessness on exertion, fatigue and palpitations that began affecting his daily activities. Detailed cardiac evaluation, including echocardiography and a CT scan, revealed the previously undiagnosed condition. Sinus venosus ASD is a rare defect characterised by an abnormal opening between the heart's upper chambers, leading to improper blood flow. In this case, it caused a left-to-right shunt, resulting in enlargement and increased workload of the right side of the heart. Doctors treated the defect using a transcatheter-covered stent procedure, in which a specially designed stent was delivered through a blood vessel to seal the opening and restore normal circulation. The approach eliminated the need for open-heart surgery. The procedure was performed by Dr R Sivakumar, senior consultant and head of cardiology, along with Dr S Kumar and the catheterisation lab team. The patient was monitored in the ICU for 24 hours and later discharged in stable condition. "This case is among the few in the region where sinus venosus ASD has been treated using a transcatheter-covered stent approach," said Dr Sivakumar. "Traditionally, such defects require open-heart surgery. Using advanced imaging, we were able to manage it safely through a minimally invasive technique, reducing risk and enabling faster recovery." He added that advances in technology are enabling non-surgical management of complex heart conditions, but early diagnosis remains crucial. "Symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and palpitations should not be ignored, as timely treatment can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life," he said. MSID:: 129980680 413 |