Surgeries/Pediatric/Congenital heart disease

Surgery for congenital heart disease

Surgical management of heart malformations in children, within a complete cardiovascular facility with a dedicated intensive care unit.

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What is it?

Congenital heart diseases are malformations of the heart present from birth: abnormal communications between the heart chambers, anomalies of the valves or of the great vessels. Many of them can now be corrected surgically with excellent results, allowing the child to lead a normal life. The decision to operate is made in close consultation between paediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and anaesthetists, after a complete cardiac work-up. The timing of the procedure is chosen according to the type of malformation and the child's development. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, surgery for congenital heart disease benefits from a complete cardiovascular facility: an operating theatre equipped for cardiac surgery, an intensive care unit dedicated to post-cardiac-surgery care and a cardiac intensive care unit. The child and family are supported at every step of this demanding journey.

When is it indicated?

Atrial or ventricular septal defect requiring closure

When a small opening creates an abnormal communication between the heart chambers and tires the child, its surgical closure allows normal development.

Patent ductus arteriosus

This small vessel, useful during pregnancy, should normally close after birth; if it remains open, a procedure closes it.

Heart valve anomalies in children

When a heart valve is not working properly, its repair helps the heart work efficiently and the child grow peacefully.

Malformations of the great vessels

Some anomalies of the large arteries leaving the heart are corrected surgically to restore normal blood circulation.

Complex heart diseases requiring scheduled surgical correction

Malformations combining several anomalies are corrected through carefully planned surgery by the medical-surgical team, at the best moment for the child.

Preparation

1Complete cardiac work-up: echocardiography and additional tests

2Medical-surgical discussion to define the correction strategy

3Specialist anaesthesia consultation

4Complete pre-operative work-up and verification that no infection is ongoing

5Detailed information for parents about the procedure, intensive care and recovery

Procedure

General anaesthesia by a team highly experienced in cardiac surgery

Correction of the malformation using the technique suited to the diagnosis

Continuous monitoring of cardiac and respiratory parameters throughout the procedure

Transfer to the intensive care unit dedicated to post-cardiac-surgery care

Gradual awakening and close monitoring during the first days

Transfer to a hospital room, then preparation for the return home

Duration

Several hours depending on the complexity of the heart disease

Aftercare & Recovery

In the vast majority of cases, surgical correction brings a lasting improvement in heart function and normal development of the child. Regular cardiac follow-up is organised after the procedure to support the child as they grow.

Risks and side effects

Risks inherent to any cardiac surgery, assessed and explained case by case

Temporary rhythm disturbances in the post-operative period

Pericardial or pleural effusion, monitored and treated if necessary

Possible need for an additional procedure during growth

These risks remain rare. Your surgeon will inform you in detail before the procedure.

Request a Quote

Request a Quote +216 36 402 000

At a glance

Duration: Several hours depending on the complexity of the heart disease

Preparation: Required

Dedicated specialist team

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