Many parents and guardians worry when their children are diagnosed with heart conditions. Some fear surgery, and others refuse to let their children undergo it. Dr. Chayantat Sirinawin, a thoracic surgeon at Phyathai 2 Hospital, explains that there are two main approaches to treating heart conditions in children:

Supportive Care: This approach helps children pass the critical phase as some conditions cannot be immediately resolved.
Complete Correction: This approach aims to completely fix the condition, depending on the type of heart disease.
Types of Congenital Heart Surgery

There are two main types of procedures:

Open Surgery: This is a major procedure requiring close monitoring by medical professionals. Advances in medical technology have greatly improved surgical outcomes.
Percutaneous Transcatheter Intervention: This minimally invasive procedure uses a catheter, about 1–2 millimeters in diameter, inserted through a blood vessel to reach the heart. For instance, a catheter can be inserted through the groin area to access the heart. If it’s the left side of the heart, an artery is used, while a vein is used for the right side. For conditions like a hole in the heart wall, a catheter-based device can seal the opening. This method is ideal for treating heart conditions in children as it requires a shorter recovery time and less procedural time.
Recovery and Recurrence

It’s difficult to guarantee a complete cure due to the varying severity of heart conditions. Some children may fully recover after one treatment, while others may need further interventions. For instance, children requiring valve replacements may need future replacements due to wear over time.
Postoperative Care for Congenital Heart Conditions

The care needed after surgery depends on the type of heart disease and the procedure performed. Most procedures involve the placement of devices like stents, so there are specific care instructions for parents, such as:

1. Medication Adherence: It’s crucial for patients to take medications consistently. For example, patients with stents must take medication to prevent blockage.
2. Fluid Intake: Parents should monitor and manage their child’s fluid intake according to medical advice.
3. Infection Prevention: Keep the wound clean and dry, and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor recovery.
Monitoring for Post-Surgery Abnormalities

Parents should watch for symptoms like fatigue or cyanosis. If these symptoms persist after surgery, consult a doctor immediately as they may indicate complications. For conditions like heart failure caused by a hole in the heart wall, symptoms like shortness of breath may also indicate complications or additional conditions.

After surgery, regular follow-up visits are necessary, especially during the initial recovery phase. Initially, appointments may be as frequent as weekly or biweekly, depending on the child’s condition and improvement over time.