Pediatric Heart Surgery

Pediatric heart surgery is a surgical specialty focused on correcting heart problems in newborns, children, and adolescents.

Pediatric heart surgery

Pediatric heart surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to repairing or correcting heart problems in young patients. These procedures are used to treat defects that affect the structure or function of the heart, known as congenital heart diseases.

These structural defects are present from birth and can significantly impact a child’s quality of life.

Not all congenital heart diseases require surgical care, and some can be treated with medication or less invasive procedures; however, in many cases, surgical intervention is necessary.

There are several types of pediatric heart surgery:

• Correction of congenital heart defects: when a structural defect is present, surgery may be required within the first months of life.
  
• Valve surgeries: some children are born with heart valves that do not function properly, and surgery allows for repairing or replacing them.
  
• Surgery on blood vessels: when blood vessels are malformed or improperly positioned, surgery can help redirect blood flow or repair issues in arteries and veins affecting the heart.

Pediatric cardiologist

In young patients, the pediatric cardiologist is the specialist responsible for diagnosing and treating heart problems.

Its role is crucial from the time of diagnosis to the long-term follow-up of the different conditions that may be present.

Specifically, the pediatric heart surgeon is the specialist who performs surgeries to correct heart problems in children. Their responsibilities include:

• Preoperative evaluation: reviewing the diagnosis and determining the most appropriate type of surgery, considering the child’s age, defect type, and overall health.
  
• Surgical planning: in collaboration with other specialists involved in the patient’s care, such as pediatric cardiologists and anesthesiologists, the procedure is planned to maximize the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.
  
• Performing the surgery: carrying out the procedure to repair the heart defects.
  
• Immediate postoperative care: monitoring the patient in the pediatric intensive care unit and working with the care team to address any complications.
  
• Long-term follow-up: if needed, participating in ongoing follow-up to adjust the child’s future care.

Postoperative care in pediatric heart surgery

After heart surgery, the postoperative phase is critical and requires specialized attention to ensure good recovery and minimize health risks.

Postoperative care includes immediate intensive care, at-home care, and medical follow-up.

Immediate care is provided in the intensive care unit, where heart and respiratory function, fluid and electrolyte status, and pain are closely monitored during the first days.

At-home care begins upon discharge, including infection prevention, medication administration, controlled physical activity, and maintaining a balanced diet.

After this, regular check-ups with the pediatric cardiologist or pediatric heart surgeon are essential to ensure proper recovery.

Pediatric heart surgery requires highly specialized surgical techniques and proper management by both medical specialists and the family, this is key to successful outcomes.

Pediatric cardiologist near me

At ABC Medical Center’s Pediatric Heart Center Heart Surgery area, we have a team of highly trained specialists in pediatric heart surgery dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for all your child’s heart surgical needs.

Our pediatric heart surgeons in Mexico City are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and advanced treatments to manage conditions such as ventricular septal defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and more.

Fuentes:
MedlinePlus, Healthy Children, NIH