A historic heart surgery at Lisie Hospital, Kochi, successfully saved a newborn with a rare and severe congenital heart defect, ensuring her full recovery.
Kochi: A groundbreaking medical achievement in Kerala has given a new lease on life to a newborn with a critical heart defect. Baby Aya Mary Justin, weighing just 935 grams at birth, was born to Neethu and Justin from Thrissur with a severe condition called Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia. The condition, where the pulmonary artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs is absent, posed life-threatening complications from birth.
The medical team at Lisie Hospital, Kochi, initially sustained the baby’s blood flow using prostaglandin injections. However, when her oxygen levels dropped critically, they decided to attempt PDA stenting, a challenging and high-risk procedure never previously recorded on a baby of such low weight. The surgery was successfully performed, restoring normal oxygen levels in her blood.
After a few days of recovery, the baby was discharged in perfect health. The treatment was provided free of charge under the Kerala Government’s Hridyam scheme. The procedure was led by Dr. S.R. Anil, Head of Pediatric Cardiology, along with a skilled team of doctors, including Dr. Jennu Rose Jose, Dr. Jagan V. Jose, and Dr. Sajan Koshi, who led the pediatric heart surgery. The neonatal care team ensured the baby’s smooth recovery.
Baby Aya Mary returned home with her family after participating in Lisie Hospital’s Christmas celebrations. Hospital dignitaries, including Director Fr. Paul Karekatten and key medical staff, attended the event. The successful surgery has been hailed as a remarkable milestone in pediatric cardiac care, offering hope to many families facing similar challenges.
