Apollo Children’s Hospital Pioneers Non-Surgical Fontan Procedure, Revolutionizing Pediatric Heart Treatment

Chennai, 27^th August, 2024: Apollo Children’s Hospital has marked a groundbreaking milestone in pediatric cardiac care by successfully performing the Fontan procedure without surgical intervention. This achievement, led by Dr. Neville AG Solomon, Head of the Cardiac Department, and Dr. CS Muthukumaran, Head of Interventional Cardiology, represents a significant leap forward in treating complex heart conditions in children.

With a track record of over 6,500 open-heart surgeries and 10,133 interventional procedures, Apollo Children’s Hospital has established itself as a leader in pediatric cardiac care. The hospital’s Interventional Cardiology Division, under Dr. Muthukumaran’s guidance, has become India’s largest center for advanced procedures such as ductal stenting in infants as small as 1.2 kg and VSD device closures for babies weighing just 4 kg.

Dr. Neville AG Solomon, Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Apollo Children’s Hospital said, “Our holistic approach at Apollo Children’s Hospital combines surgical and interventional expertise to provide optimal treatment for children with complex heart conditions. This non-surgical Fontan procedure exemplifies our commitment to innovative, patient-centered car“

Dr. CS Muthukumaran, Paediatric Cardiologist, Apollo Children’s Hospital said, “This breakthrough offers a lifeline for children with single-ventricle heart defects. Patients can now be discharged within 2-3 days, dramatically reducing recovery time. The success of this procedure is a testament to our team’s dedication and meticulous planning. so far we completed 12 non-surgical fontan procedure with 100% success and the longest follow-up is 2 years.“

Apollo Children’s Hospital Chennai continues to advance pediatric cardiac care through its blend of cutting-edge technology and expert medical professionals. The successful implementation of the non-surgical Fontan procedure marks a new chapter in cardiac care for children worldwide.