This Department deals with congenital heart disease in children. It also deals with adults whose congenital cardiac anomalies have been diagnosed later in life, and who require a different approach to management vis-a-vis children with similar problems. Its team of committed paediatric cardiologists deals with both interventional and non-interventional treatment modalities. Over 4000 paediatric echocardiograms are performed annually using the latest high resolution echocardiographic equipment. Most children can now undergo surgical repair based on echocardiography, without having to resort to cardiac catheterization. With the addition of the trans-esophageal echocardiographic probes, diagnostic accuracy is enhanced both pre and post operatively. Its availability in the operating rooms facilitates precise surgical correction of complex congenital cardiac anomalies.

Paediatric cardiologists at the Institute routinely perform catheter-based interventions for closure of cardiac defects like atrial septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus and ventricular septal defects. Balloon atrial septostomy, coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus and major aorto-pulmonary collaterals, balloon dilatation/ stenting of coaretation of the aorta and balloon valvuloplasties are some of the routine interventional procedures that are particularly significant because surgery could then be avoided altogether facilitating a shorter hospital stay for the child.

Foetal Echocardiography is a field of immense potential. The ability to diagnose cardiac anomalies in-utero will definitely facilitate the proper selection of treatment modalities and the timing of such treatment. Many anomalies like the hypoplastic left heart syndrome, interrupted aortic arch and transposition of great arteries would require intervention in the neonatal period itself and much depends on their diagnosis prior to birth. The paediatric cardiologists at the Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases are well versed with the procedure of foetal echocardiography. The other scope of this diagnostic modality is in parent counselling. Mothers of babies with congenital cardiac anomalies avail of this facility to follow up future pregnancies

The Adult Congenital Cardiac Programme is another area of prime importance. Follow up of adult patients who have been operated for congenital heart disease in childhood is carried out in the Adult Congenital Cardiac Clinic. Many of these patients require further surgical / catheter based interventions.