Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 3: In a significant advancement for regional pediatric cardiac care, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital (SMVDNSH) has successfully performed the region’s first transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) closure procedures on three young patients from Kathua district.
The breakthrough interventions were led by Dr Sushant Kumar, Senior Consultant – Cardiology, marking a pivotal moment in the Hospital’s journey towards specialized cardiac care. The patients were identified under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) initiative and received the treatment free of cost, facilitated by the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Reflecting on this achievement, Dr M M Mathavan, Facility Director, expressed pride in the Hospital’s progress. “As we enter our 10th year, reaching such milestones exemplifies our dedication to providing specialized pediatric cardiac care to the community,” he stated.
Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, highlighted the crucial role of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in bolstering healthcare services in the region. “The unwavering support of the SMVD Shrine Board has been instrumental in establishing the Hospital as a center of excellence, enabling us to offer critical procedures without financial burdens on patients,” he remarked.
Providing clinical insights into the procedures, Dr Sushant Kumar explained that PDA is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, leading to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. If left untreated, this condition can cause complications such as heart failure and hindered growth.
He further explained that the transcatheter PDA closure procedure, a minimally invasive technique, involves inserting a catheter through a small incision, usually in the groin, and guiding it to the heart. A closure device is then placed within the PDA to seal the abnormal opening effectively.
This achievement not only underscores the Hospital’s commitment to advancing medical care but also sets a new benchmark in pediatric cardiology within the region. It offers renewed hope and improved health outcomes for children with congenital heart conditions, highlighting the importance of accessible, specialized healthcare for all.
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