Uzbekistan girl undergoes major heart surgery at Delhi hospital

A 7-year-old girl from Uzbekistan got a new lease of life after doctors successfully treated the patient suffering from viral Myocarditis -- inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall -- from the age of two.

The girl had swelling all over her body owing to severe water retention and an extremely enlarged heart.

In addition, she was breathless even while resting and had developed an enlarged liver with severe disbalance of functions. 

Doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket stabilised her with inotropes (drug) and she was advised a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). 

The LVAD, a battery-operated mechanical pump, serves as a viable option for patients who suffer from end-stage heart failure. 

"Ragena was brought to Max Hospital in an extremely critical condition. Suffering from viral Myocarditis for the last five years, her small body had a compromised heart along with an enlarged liver with impaired functions. In order to increase her chances of survival, we recommended LVAD. After the operation, and to everyone's delight, she is recovering well," said Dr Kewal Krishan, Director, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. 

"Her liver functions have improved drastically and the swelling has been cured," Dr Krishan added. 

With LVAD, the scope of improvement with continuous monitoring is possible in the long run, thereby eliminating the need for a heart transplant, said Dr Krishan.

Now, Ragena is the youngest recipient of LVAD in the Asia-Pacific region.-IANS