World’s First Fetal Aortic Valvuloplasty with Device Closure Performed on 27-Week Fetus at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute

Mumbai: A team of doctors at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute (RCHI) has successfully performed the world’s first fetal balloon aortic valvuloplasty with device closure on a 27-week-old fetus. This procedure is considered a major milestone in fetal cardiac care and interventional medicine.

Led by Dr. Koneti Nageswara Rao, Chief Paediatric Cardiologist, along with Dr. Shweta Bakhru and Dr. Sri Phani Bhargavi Dhulipudi, the multidisciplinary team carried out the procedure to save a fetus diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis. This rare and life-threatening condition, characterized by severe narrowing of the aortic valve, posed a significant risk to the baby’s heart function and survival.

“This achievement is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of fetal therapy. The successful use of a closure device in such a delicate and high-risk scenario demonstrates the power of innovation and teamwork in saving lives even before birth,” said Dr. Rao.

Fetal aortic valve stenosis can lead to outcomes such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome or fetal death. The team used advanced imaging to guide the insertion of a needle through the mother’s abdomen and uterus into the fetus’s heart.

A balloon catheter was used to relieve the obstruction and restore blood flow. For the first time globally, the team employed a closure device to seal the puncture site, ensuring the safety of the fetus during and after the procedure.

The procedure was successful, with the fetus showing improvement in cardiac function. After a healthy delivery, the baby was monitored and has now been discharged in good health.

Dr. Ramesh Kancharla, Chairman and Managing Director of Rainbow Children’s Hospital, praised the team for accomplishing a landmark paediatric cardiac procedure. “This is a landmark in paediatric cardiac care, demonstrating the dedication, expertise, and innovative spirit of the team at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute. Such advancements will drive significant progress in paediatric care globally,” he said.

The successful procedure offers hope to families worldwide dealing with severe fetal cardiac conditions and highlights the potential for advanced interventional techniques to improve outcomes for conditions previously considered untreatable in utero.