Performs region’s first transcatheter PDA closure on three children
Katra, March 3: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital has achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully performing the region’s first transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) closure procedures on three paediatric patients from Kathua district. This breakthrough marks a pivotal advancement in paediatric cardiac care in the region.
Led by Dr. Sushant Kumar, Senior Consultant – Cardiology, the procedures were performed using a minimally invasive catheter-based technique, ensuring a safer and quicker recovery for the young patients. The patients were identified through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and received free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to accessible and equitable healthcare.
Dr. M. M. Mathavan, Facility Director, lauded this achievement, stating, “As we enter our 10th year, reaching such milestones exemplifies our dedication to providing specialised paediatric cardiac care to the community.” Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, highlighted the crucial role of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in strengthening regional healthcare. He noted: “The unwavering support of the Shrine Board has been instrumental in establishing the hospital as a centre of excellence, allowing us to perform critical procedures without financial burden on patients.”
Providing clinical insights, Dr. Sushant Kumar explained that PDA is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus—an essential foetal blood vessel—fails to close after birth, leading to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. If left untreated, PDA can cause severe complications such as heart failure and growth delays. The transcatheter closure technique involves inserting a catheter through a small incision, usually in the groin, to guide a closure device into the heart, effectively sealing the abnormal opening. This groundbreaking accomplishment not only reinforces SMVD Narayana Hospital’s reputation as a leader in advanced medical care but also sets a new benchmark in paediatric cardiology in the region. By offering life-saving interventions, the hospital brings new hope and improved health outcomes for children with congenital heart conditions.
