In a significant medical breakthrough, a multidisciplinary team at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute has performed a successful fetal balloon aortic valvuloplasty on a 27-week-old fetus diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis. The procedure, led by Chief Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Koneti Nageswara Rao, along with Dr. Shweta Bakhru and Dr. Sri Phani Bhargavi Dhulipudi, marked a world-first by employing a pioneering closure device to seal the puncture site. “This achievement is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of fetal therapy,” stated Dr. Rao, emphasizing the innovation and teamwork involved in the complex operation.

Advanced imaging had revealed severe narrowing of the aortic valve, threatening the fetus’s heart function and survival. Without intervention, the condition could have resulted in fetal death or hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe congenital defect. Traditionally, fetal balloon aortic valvuloplasty involves a smaller needle and medium-sized balloon, yielding a success rate of about 70%. However, in this case, complications necessitated the use of a larger needle and balloon to stop a life-threatening blood leak from the heart. 

The medical team used ultrasound to guide a needle through the mother’s belly and uterus into the baby’s heart. A balloon catheter was then advanced to the aortic valve, relieving the obstruction and restoring proper blood flow. For the first time in the world, a device was used to close the puncture site, greatly improving the safety of the foetus during and after the procedure. 

“Using a closure device successfully in such a delicate and risky situation shows how powerful innovation can be,” said Dr. Rao. After the procedure, the monitoring showed that the baby's heart was working much better. After a healthy delivery, the baby was sent home in good health. This success shows a new area in caring for unborn babies' hearts and medical treatments. 

Dr. Ramesh Kancharla, the head of Rainbow Children’s Hospital, praised the team for their hard work and skill. “This landmark procedure will pave the way for future advancements in pediatric cardiac care. We are proud to lead this world-first and remain committed to medical innovation.” 

This pioneering effort by Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute offers hope to families worldwide, reinforcing the potential of advanced fetal interventions in improving outcomes for previously untreatable in-utero conditions.