A team of doctors from the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital and Government Raja Sir Ramaswamy Mudaliar (RSRM) Lying-in Hospital in Chennai, India recently came together to manage a high-risk pregnancy. The patient, a 24-year-old woman, had a complete heart block and required specialized care during her pregnancy.
According to the doctors, the woman had a history of ventricular septal defect and aortic valve disease, for which she had undergone surgeries as a child. She also had a low heart rate and was on medication. During the 36th week of her pregnancy, she was referred from RSRM Hospital to the Stanley Hospital due to her low heart rate, which posed a risk to both her and the baby.
The medical team, comprised of cardiologists, obstetrician-gynecologists, and an anesthetist, decided to implant a pacemaker for the woman. To avoid the risk associated with transferring her to RSRM Hospital, the team prepared an operation theatre at Stanley Hospital itself. The woman underwent a caesarean section on the same day, with the operation conducted at the Super Speciality Block. The cardiology team provided care for the mother for 72 hours before she was shifted to RSRM Hospital. The doctors reported that both the mother and baby were doing well.
The doctors highlighted the rarity of the case, stating that only one in 20,000 pregnant women have a complete heart block, and this combination of heart defects and complete heart block was even rarer. The Health Minister, Ma. Subramanian, visited the mother and child to commend the medical team for their successful management of the case.
In addition to this remarkable case, Minister Subramanian also inaugurated a computerized radiography digital mammogram with a CR Reader at RSRM Hospital. This facility, costing ₹17 lakh, will enable the screening of breast cancer in women above the age of 40 once every two years, and annually for women over the age of 35 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
While the details of the article are limited, it showcases the expertise, teamwork, and dedication of the medical professionals involved in managing high-risk pregnancies and providing advanced healthcare services. Such cases highlight the importance of specialized care and the advancements in medical technology that can help ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.