Details of Pulmonary Atresia Surgery

Pulmonary atresia surgery is the procedure to correct a birth defect of the heart in which the valve that carries blood out of the heart to the lungs (pulmonary valve) does not form properly.

Breathing troubles
Blue/pale gray skin color
Inadequate weight gain
Excess fatigue

Physical examination
Blood tests
Imaging tests: X-ray, CT scan, MRI, Echocardiogram

During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the breast bone to gain access to the heart and lungs, widens or replaces the pulmonary valve and expands the passage to the pulmonary artery for regular blood flow. In some cases, a complete heart transplant is required.

Infection
Unnatural heart rhythms
Heart blockage
Blood clots