Delhi hospital performs rare minimally invasive heart surgery on 6-year-old with single-chamber heart

In a significant medical breakthrough, doctors at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, have successfully performed a rare minimally invasive heart procedure on a six-year-old boy from rural Haryana who was born with a life-threatening heart condition.

The child, Ayansh, was diagnosed with single ventricle physiology—a rare congenital defect in which only one functional heart chamber is present. This condition, which affects fewer than 1% of children with heart defects, results in the mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood, leading to dangerously low oxygen levels in the body. Since birth, Ayansh had been living with bluish lips and fingers and reduced physical stamina.

A breakthrough in cardiac care

Led by Dr Gaurav Garg, Associate Director of Paediatric Cardiology at BLK-Max’s Heart & Vascular Institute, the medical team performed a Transcatheter Fontan procedure—a cutting-edge alternative to the traditional open-heart Fontan surgery.

“When Ayansh came to us, his oxygen saturation was around 70–75%,” said Dr Garg. “Given the risks of a repeat open-heart surgery, we opted for a transcatheter approach, which involved inserting a covered stent through a small groin incision.”

Ayansh had previously undergone the Glenn procedure—an early stage of treatment for single-ventricle defects—at just six months of age. The Fontan procedure, typically the final stage of treatment, becomes increasingly complex as the child grows older. Unlike the conventional method that requires reopening the chest, the minimally invasive technique used by the BLK-Max team significantly reduced surgical risks, hospital stay, and recovery time.

Immediate improvement post-surgery

The intervention showed immediate results. Dr Garg noted that Ayansh’s oxygen levels began to rise, and the bluish tint on his lips and fingers began to fade within days. “It’s a testament to how far paediatric cardiac care has come,” he said.

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He also highlighted the critical need for early diagnosis, particularly in rural areas where awareness and access to specialised care remain limited. Although the exact causes of such congenital conditions remain unclear, some cases are believed to have genetic links.

A rare case, a hopeful future

According to global estimates, 1 in 100 newborns is born with a heart defect. However, Ayansh’s condition is among the rarest and most difficult to treat. The successful use of a minimally invasive Fontan procedure not only represents a milestone for BLK-Max Hospital but also reflects a broader shift towards safer and less traumatic interventions in complex paediatric cardiology.

Now with his condition stabilised and energy levels improving, Ayansh looks forward to returning to school, playing with his friends, and leading a fuller life—something that had long seemed out of reach.