Six-Month-Old Fetus Undergoes Successful Heart Surgery at Aster MIMS Calicut

Calicut: Aster MIMS, Calicut, recently completed a rare and technically demanding fetal heart intervention, Fetal Balloon Aortic Valvotomy, on a six-month-old fetus. The procedure has been performed only a handful of times in India, and this marks the first in Kerala.

The case came to light when Muhsina, a 25-year-old expectant mother, underwent a scan at another hospital that revealed her unborn baby’s heart was functioning abnormally due to a severely narrowed aortic valve. This condition was critically impairing the left ventricle’s ability to pump blood, putting the baby’s life at immediate risk.

Following this diagnosis, Muhsina and her husband consulted Dr. Renu P. Kurup, Paediatric Cardiologist at Aster MIMS Calicut, in search of advanced treatment options. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Renu recommended a highly complex and rare procedure called Fetal Balloon Aortic Valvotomy, which had previously been performed only four times in India.

Initially, the procedure had to be postponed due to the unfavourable position of the fetus. However, three days later, when the fetus was in an optimal position, anaesthesia was administered to both mother and baby, and the cardiac team proceeded with the intervention. The procedure was completed, and both mother and baby remained stable under close post-operative observation.

“This intervention (Fetal Balloon Aortic Valvotomy) was our only chance to save the baby. It was a high-risk case, but the family’s determination, along with the hospital’s advanced facilities and constant support of the medical team and the management, made it possible,” said Dr. Renu P. Kurup, Paediatric Cardiologist at Aster MIMS Calicut.

A few months later, Muhsina gave birth to a healthy baby. A Post-Natal Balloon Aortic Valvotomy was then performed on the newborn, which was also successful.

“The reason behind my baby’s healthy smile is the grace of God and the care and support we received at Aster MIMS Calicut,” said Muhsina with gratitude.

Lukman Ponmadath, COO of Aster MIMS Calicut, said, “We are proud to be part of this historic moment in Kerala’s medical history." He also confirmed that the hospital had covered the entire cost of the treatment.

The multidisciplinary team involved in the case included Dr. Edwin Francis, Director and Senior Consultant – Paediatric Cardiology; Dr. Renu Kurup, Paediatric Cardiologist at Aster MIMS Calicut; Dr. Remadevi K.S., Senior Consultant – Paediatric Cardiology; Dr. Annu Jose, Senior Consultant – Paediatric Cardiology; Dr. P.S. Priya, Consultant – Paediatric Cardiology; Dr. Nabeel Faisal, Senior Specialist – Paediatric Cardiology; Dr. Swetha Thapa, Consultant – Paediatric Cardiology; Dr. Sujatha, Head of Department – Cardiac Anaesthesia; Dr. Rainu, Dr. Nashra, and Dr. P.S. Sreeja, Consultant (Visiting) – Fetal Medicine; Dr. Girish Warrier, Senior Consultant and Head of Department – Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery; Dr. Shabareenath Menon, Senior Consultant – Paediatric Cardiac Surgery; and Dr. Uma Radhesh, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology.