AJ Hospital Performs Coastal Karnataka’s First Advanced Pin-Hole Procedure to Treat Rare Congenital Heart Defect

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Mangaluru : Doctors at A.J. Hospital & Research Centre, Mangaluru, have successfully performed an advanced minimally invasive cardiac procedure on a 52-year-old gentleman suffering from a rare and complex congenital heart defect, marking the first time this procedure has been successfully performed in Coastal Karnataka.

Announcing the achievement, Dr. Prashanth Marla, Director, A.J. Hospital & Research Centre, said the patient was diagnosed with Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect (Sinus Venosus ASD)—a rare congenital condition involving a large hole in the upper chambers of the heart along with an abnormal connection of the pulmonary veins. Traditionally, this condition required open-heart surgery for correction.

The patient was referred to the Department of Cardiology at A.J. Hospital, where the cardiology team carefully evaluated him and decided to perform a transcatheter (pin-hole) procedure, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery.

The procedure was carried out through a small puncture in a blood vessel in the patient’s right leg. Using advanced catheter-based technology, the team successfully implanted a covered stent inside the heart to correct the defect. The minimally invasive approach resulted in less pain, faster recovery, a shorter hospital stay, and avoided the risks associated with conventional open-heart surgery.

The complex procedure was successfully performed by an experienced multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Prem Alva, Chief Pediatric Interventional Cardiologist, and Dr. Praveen J. Shetty, Senior Interventional Cardiologist.

The anaesthesia and critical intraoperative ventilation were expertly managed by Dr. Gururaj Tantry and Dr. Karthik, while Dr. Ashok played a vital role by providing precise Trans-Oesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) imaging throughout the procedure, enabling accurate placement of the covered stent. The successful outcome was the result of coordinated teamwork involving cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, imaging specialists, nursing staff, catheterization laboratory personnel, and the entire supporting medical team.

The patient returned for a follow-up examination 45 days after the procedure. He has made an excellent recovery, resumed his regular work, remains cheerful, and is doing well.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Prashanth Marla stated that this landmark achievement reflects A.J. Hospital’s commitment to bringing the latest advances in cardiac care to the people of Coastal Karnataka. The successful completion of this highly specialized procedure demonstrates the expertise available at the hospital and offers new hope to patients with complex congenital heart diseases who may now have access to advanced minimally invasive treatment closer to home.

This milestone further reinforces A.J. Hospital & Research Centre’s position as a leading tertiary care centre offering cutting-edge cardiac interventions and comprehensive heart care services in the region.