Janjivan Bureau/ New Delhi : A 6-year-old child, Kanishka, born with a rare and complex congenital heart condition known as single ventricle physiology with ccTGA, non-routable VSD, and pulmonary atresia, has successfully undergone the final stage of her life-saving cardiac surgery at Asian Institute of Medical Sciences.
Kanishka had previously undergone the first stage of palliation, a Bidirectional Glenn (BD Glenn) procedure in 2020, which redirected venous blood from the upper body directly to the pulmonary arteries. Recently, she presented with worsening cyanosis, marked by bluish discoloration of lips, tongue, and extremities, with oxygen saturation levels dropping to 70%, along with breathlessness during physical activity.
Following detailed evaluation including echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, the medical team proceeded with the completion Fontan procedure — the final stage of surgical palliation for single ventricle physiology. This surgery allows venous blood from the lower part of the body to flow directly into the pulmonary arteries, bypassing the heart.
The procedure involved an extracardiac Fontan completion using an 18 mm PTFE graft. The surgery was successful, with the patient being extubated on Post-Operative Day 1. Her recovery was smooth and uneventful, and she was discharged on Day 7 with oxygen saturation levels improved to 95%. Post-operative echocardiography confirmed good ventricular function and smooth blood flow through the conduit.
Single ventricle physiology represents one of the most complex forms of congenital heart disease, requiring staged surgical interventions over time for effective palliation and improved quality of life.
The treatment was made possible with the generous financial contribution of Studds Accessories Ltd to Vidyajagat Cancer Foundation, which supported the child’s care.
Dr. Yatin Arora, Associate Director, CTVS at Asian Hospital, said:
“Managing single ventricle physiology requires meticulous planning and staged interventions. The successful completion of the Fontan procedure in Miss Kanishka marks a significant milestone in her journey. With improved oxygenation and cardiac efficiency, she now has a much better quality of life ahead.”
A spokesperson from Vidyajagat Cancer Foundation added:
“We are committed to supporting children with critical illnesses who otherwise lack access to timely medical care. Collaborations like this enable us to bring hope and healing to families in need.”
A representative from Studds Accessories Ltd stated:
“At Studds, we believe in giving back to society in meaningful ways. Supporting Miss Kanishka’s treatment is part of our commitment to making a positive impact and helping save young lives.”
This successful outcome highlights the importance of advanced cardiac care, timely intervention, and collaborative support between healthcare institutions, non-profits, and corporate partners.
