12-Year-Old Undergoes Scar-Free Heart Surgery Through Rare Technique at Fortis Bannerghatta

Bengaluru: Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, successfully performed a rare, minimally invasive heart valve replacement on an 12-year-old boy with a leaking heart valve. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which involves a large chest incision and leaves a permanent scar, doctors made a small 2-inch incision under the arm.

This innovative technique avoided a visible chest scar, enabled faster recovery, and significantly reduced postoperative pain and risks.

In India, minimally invasive valve surgeries account for just 2–3% of all cardiac procedures, making this case a rare milestone in paediatric cardiac care. The boy had delayed surgery for more than two years due to fear of scarring, but his condition worsened with symptoms like breathlessness, palpitations and fatigue, making the surgery inevitable.

Detailed Diagnosis revealed that the child had a rare heart valve defect, characterised by an abnormally shaped valve that failed to close properly, causing severe leakage. The surgical team opted for a minimally invasive transaxillary aortic valve to replace the faulty valve.

The complex surgery was performed by Dr. Sudarshan GT, Additional Director – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, along with his multi-disciplinary team. The child made a remarkable recovery, moving out of the ICU within 24 hours, being discharged by the third day, and regaining strength at home within two weeks.

Dr. Sudarshan GT, Additional Director – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, said, "Traditionally, valve replacement surgeries require cutting open the chest bone, which leaves a lifelong scar. In this child’s case, we used a small cut under the arm, avoiding any bone cutting.

Transaxillary aortic valve is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses an incision in the armpit (axilla) to access the chest, offering advantages like reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery compared to traditional open chest surgery.

This method not only reduces the risk of infection and pain but also ensures faster healing and a much better cosmetic outcome, especially important for young patients. It shows that advanced surgeries can be done safely while also considering the emotional and psychological needs of the patient and families."

The Patient’s mother shared her experience, “As parents, we were deeply concerned about our son’s health and the thought of him living with a lifelong scar across his chest. He had endured years of breathlessness and fatigue.

When the doctors explained that this advanced procedure could be performed without opening his chest, it gave us a sense of hope we hadn’t felt in a long time. Seeing him recover so quickly, smile again, and return home without pain has been the greatest relief for our family.

We had consulted several hospitals before choosing Fortis Bannerghatta, and we’re incredibly grateful for their expertise in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Their skill and compassionate care didn’t just restore our son’s health — they gave him a scar-free future and a second chance at childhood.

Dr Thejaswini Parthasarathy, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, said, “At Fortis Bannerghatta, we are committed to bringing the most advanced and patient-friendly medical solutions to families in need.

This case highlights how innovation in cardiac care can transform not only a child’s health but also their confidence and quality of life. By avoiding a lifelong scar and ensuring a faster recovery, our team has set a benchmark for compassionate, cutting-edge care. We will continue to push boundaries and make such advanced procedures more accessible to patients across India.”

Rheumatic heart disease, a complication of untreated streptococcal throat infections in childhood, remains a major public health concern in India. It progressively damages heart valves and, if left untreated, can lead to severe heart failure and even death.