Pediatric & congenital heart disease clinic Amritsar

Livasa Amritsar — Comprehensive pediatric cardiology and congenital heart defect treatment in Amritsar, Punjab. Call +91 80788 80788 or book an appointment online.

Introduction

The pediatric & congenital heart disease clinic at Livasa Amritsar focuses on diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of heart conditions that affect fetuses, newborns, infants, children and adolescents. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect worldwide, and early recognition plus timely intervention make a critical difference to outcomes. Families in Amritsar and surrounding areas in Punjab now have access to an integrated centre combining pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiac surgery, a specialized pediatric cath lab and neonatal cardiac care — all under one roof. Our multidisciplinary team includes child heart specialists, pediatric cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, fetal cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, pediatric intensivists and specially trained nursing staff experienced in caring for small hearts.

This article is designed to help parents and caregivers understand what congenital heart disease is, how it presents in children, what diagnostic and treatment options are available in Amritsar, and how Livasa Hospitals’ pediatric cardiology services can help. We provide clear, compassionate guidance — from fetal echocardiography in pregnancy to newborn heart screening, minimally invasive ASD VSD closure procedures, complex pediatric heart surgery (including blue baby surgery), post-operative rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. Wherever possible we include comparative information, realistic cost ranges for common procedures in Amritsar, and local and global statistics to help families make informed decisions about care.

Understanding congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to structural or functional heart problems that are present at birth. These range from small, clinically insignificant defects to complex malformations that require multiple surgeries in infancy. Common defects include atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and valve abnormalities. Causes are multifactorial — a combination of genetic factors, maternal illnesses (for example, diabetes, infections such as rubella), environmental exposures and in many cases unknown influences. Globally, CHD affects approximately 8-10 per 1,000 live births; in India estimates suggest similar prevalence but with high absolute numbers due to birth rates. In Punjab and Amritsar, awareness and access to specialized pediatric cardiology services have improved, yet many children present late because early signs are missed.

Symptoms vary by defect and age. In newborns and infants common clues include poor feeding, failure to thrive, excessive sweating during feeds, respiratory distress, cyanosis (bluish discoloration — often called “blue baby”), recurrent chest infections and rapid breathing or heart rate. Older children may present with fatigue, exercise intolerance, palpitations or heart murmurs detected on routine examinations. Some defects are subtle and detected only on screening echos; others are emergencies requiring urgent intervention. Early diagnosis through fetal echocardiography and newborn heart screening improves survival and reduces complications. At Livasa Amritsar, our child heart specialists perform systematic evaluations and use evidence-based protocols to categorize lesion severity and plan the right timing and type of intervention.

Services available at the pediatric & congenital heart disease clinic

Livasa Amritsar’s pediatric cardiology program is structured to provide end-to-end care for congenital and acquired heart disease in children. The centre integrates diagnostic services, interventional cardiology, pediatric cardiac surgery, neonatal cardiac intensive care and long-term follow-up clinics. Key services include:

• Fetal echocardiography (fetal echo): Specialized scans for high-risk pregnancies to identify CHD prenatally, enabling planned delivery and immediate neonatal care.
• Newborn heart screening (neonatal cardiac screening): Pulse oximetry and targeted neonatal echo screening for infants at risk to detect critical CHD early.
• Pediatric echocardiography (echo for children & babies): High-resolution transthoracic and transesophageal echos suitable for infants, toddlers and older children.
• Pediatric cath lab services: Diagnostic and interventional pediatric cardiac catheterization for ASD VSD closure, balloon valvotomy, device closures and more.
• Pediatric cardiac surgery: Elective and emergency surgeries including blue baby surgery (for cyanotic defects), complex neonatal repairs and minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery options.
• Neonatal cardiac critical care: Dedicated pediatric ICU with ventilators, inotropic support, ECMO readiness and staff trained in neonatal cardiac postoperative care.
• Electrophysiology and arrhythmia management: Diagnosis and treatment of rhythm disorders in children, including pacemaker implantation when indicated.
• Comprehensive follow-up clinics: Lifelong monitoring programs for children with repaired or palliated heart defects, growth and developmental assessments, and transition to adult congenital heart disease services.

These services are supported by child-friendly diagnostic environments, pediatric-specific equipment and protocols, and the ability to coordinate with maternity and neonatology teams for prenatal and immediate postnatal care. If you are searching for “pediatric heart clinic Punjab” or “congenital heart clinic Amritsar Livasa,” our clinic provides a single destination for diagnosis, parental counseling, intervention and rehabilitation.

Diagnosis and screening protocols

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. At Livasa Amritsar, the diagnostic pathway is tailored to the child’s age, clinical presentation and prenatal history. For expectant mothers with risk factors or abnormal obstetric scans, fetal echocardiography is scheduled between 18–24 weeks of gestation to identify structural heart anomalies. Early detection allows multidisciplinary birth planning with neonatology, pediatric cardiology and pediatric cardiac surgery teams present at delivery if needed.

For newborns, our protocol includes routine clinical examination, pulse oximetry screening and targeted echocardiography when indicated. Pulse oximetry can detect many critical CHDs that cause low oxygen saturation; newborn heart screening Punjab initiatives increasingly recommend this low-cost test to reduce missed diagnoses. For older infants and children, diagnostic tools include transthoracic echocardiography (the primary imaging tool), ECG, chest X-ray, Holter monitoring for rhythm surveillance, and where indicated, cardiac MRI or CT angiography for complex anatomy. Diagnostic cardiac catheterization in the pediatric cath lab may be performed for precise hemodynamic assessment and planning of interventions.

Our echo services are adapted to children: we use pediatric transducers and sedation protocols when necessary to obtain high-quality images. Our fetal echo specialists collaborate with obstetricians to interpret fetal cardiac function and counsel families about prognosis and management options. For parents concerned about “echo for babies Amritsar” or “pediatric echo Amritsar,” Livasa offers same-day appointments for urgent referrals and streamlined scheduling for elective scans. Clear communication of findings and anticipated next steps is central to our care model, and families receive printed or digital reports, diagrams and follow-up plans.

Treatment options: medical, interventional and surgical

Treatment for congenital heart disease varies widely depending on the defect, severity, patient age and associated conditions. Options include conservative medical management, catheter-based interventions (minimally invasive), and open or minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Medical therapy may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or prostaglandin infusions (for duct-dependent lesions) while definitive planning continues. Interventional cardiology techniques have transformed care; many ASDs and muscular VSDs can be closed in the pediatric cath lab using devices, avoiding open-chest surgery. Balloon valvotomy treats stenotic valves, and transcatheter ductal closures treat PDAs.

Surgical options remain essential for complex and large defects, particularly in neonates and infants. Procedures range from primary repair of VSD/ASD to complex neonatal reconstructions for conditions such as transposition of the great arteries (requiring an arterial switch operation) or pulmonary atresia (commonly requiring staged surgeries). “Blue baby surgery” is a lay term often used to describe corrective surgeries for cyanotic congenital heart disease — these can be life-saving and require experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons and specialized postoperative care.

The choice between interventional catheter procedures and surgery is guided by anatomy, size of the child, presence of associated lesions and long-term outlook. Below is a comparative summary to help families understand the practical differences:

When families ask about costs — for example “ASD closure Amritsar cost”, “VSD closure Amritsar cost” or “blue baby surgery cost Amritsar” — price estimates depend on procedure complexity, length of ICU stay, implants or devices used, and any pre- or post-operative complications. Typical cost ranges at tertiary centres in Amritsar and Punjab as of current local market trends:

These are indicative ranges and subject to change. Livasa Amritsar provides transparent billing estimates and financial counseling; for precise cost estimates please call +91 80788 80788 or use the online appointment form.

Pediatric cath lab and advanced technologies at Livasa Amritsar

A modern pediatric cath lab is central to delivering minimally invasive care to children. Livasa Amritsar’s pediatric cath lab is equipped with pediatric-sized catheters and devices, advanced imaging including biplane fluoroscopy and digital subtraction angiography, and facilities to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures safely in neonates and infants. Our pediatric cardiac catheterization services include device closures for ASD/VSD, balloon valvotomy for aortic or pulmonary valve stenosis, transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in selected cases, and catheter-based management of post-surgical residual defects.

Safety measures in a pediatric cath lab are critical: dedicated anaesthesia support for pediatric and neonatal sedation, temperature-controlled tables for neonates, and carefully titrated contrast dosing. The team at Livasa Amritsar includes interventional pediatric cardiologists experienced in small infants and neonatal interventions, supported by child heart specialists who provide pre-procedure optimization and post-procedure recovery monitoring. For families searching “pediatric cath lab Punjab” or “pediatric cardiac catheterization Amritsar,” our facility offers same-day diagnostics, scheduling flexibility for urgent cases and collaborative decision-making when both catheter and surgical options exist.

Technological adjuncts we use to improve outcomes include 3D echocardiographic guidance during procedures, intracardiac and intravascular ultrasound when indicated, and careful electrophysiology mapping for rhythm interventions. Importantly, the cath lab is integrated with the pediatric intensive care unit so that any infant requiring overnight observation or advanced support receives immediate high-quality care. Families are counselled in plain language about procedural steps, risks and expected recovery, and a dedicated care coordinator helps with logistics and follow-up plans.

Post-operative care, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up

Successful heart procedures are only part of the journey. Post-operative care and long-term follow-up are essential to ensure healthy development and quality of life. Livasa Amritsar emphasizes a structured pathway that includes immediate post-procedure monitoring in a pediatric cardiac ICU, pain management, nutrition and feeding support for infants, physiotherapy and early mobilization for older children, and parental education on wound care and signs of complications. For neonates and infants, specialized feeding programs and growth monitoring are crucial because many babies with CHD have feeding difficulties and failure to thrive prior to corrective intervention.

Long-term surveillance covers potential late complications such as residual shunts, arrhythmias, valve dysfunction and exercise intolerance. Our follow-up clinics schedule periodic echocardiography, clinical assessment and growth/development review. We also provide psychosocial support and counselling for families dealing with chronic conditions, school readiness evaluations and coordination with pediatricians for vaccinations and routine care. For adolescents transitioning out of pediatric services, Livasa Amritsar offers transition programs to adult congenital heart disease clinics, ensuring continuity of care into adulthood.

Rehabilitation and lifestyle guidance include tailored recommendations for physical activity, sports participation, infection prevention strategies and dental care (some heart conditions require antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures). Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus is particularly emphasized for children with heart disease. Education is provided in local languages and culturally sensitive formats for families from Amritsar and nearby towns in Punjab to improve adherence to treatment and follow-up schedules.

Choosing a child heart specialist in Amritsar

Selecting the right pediatric cardiologist or congenital heart team is a decision that affects a child’s outcome. Families searching for “child heart specialist Amritsar”, “best pediatric cardiologist in Amritsar” or “paediatric cardiology Amritsar” should consider several practical factors. Credentials and training in pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiac surgery or fetal cardiology are fundamental. Experience in neonatal and infant procedures is critical because tiny anatomical differences change procedural choices. Look for a multidisciplinary team approach where cardiologists, surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists and specialized nurses collaborate on individualized care plans.

Other important considerations include the availability of a dedicated pediatric cath lab and a neonatal cardiac ICU, transparent communication about risks and outcomes, access to advanced imaging and interventional technologies, and a follow-up program that supports lifelong care. Parental experience matters: read patient testimonials, ask about volumes and success rates for the specific procedure your child needs (for example ASD VSD closure Amritsar volumes), and ask about emergency child heart care pathways. Livasa Hospitals pediatric cardiology Amritsar emphasizes evidence-based care, second-opinion options and family-centered decision-making, providing clear explanations about benefits versus risks and realistic timelines for recovery.

If affordability is a concern, ask about financial counseling, insurance support, and staged treatment strategies. For critical neonatal cases, ensure the center coordinates with referring obstetricians for planned deliveries at the tertiary care site. Trust, clear communication and demonstrable experience in pediatric cardiac surgery Punjab and pediatric cardiac catheterization are the best indicators of a dependable child heart specialist in Amritsar.

Frequently asked questions and practical concerns

Parents often have many questions when a heart diagnosis is suspected or confirmed. Below are common FAQs with concise, reassuring answers based on clinical best practice:

• How urgent is my child’s condition? Urgency depends on symptoms and the defect type. Cyanosis, poor feeding with breathing difficulty, persistent low oxygen or shock are emergency signs calling for immediate evaluation at a tertiary centre such as Livasa Amritsar.
• Will my baby need open-heart surgery? Many defects can be treated with catheter procedures; some require surgical repair. The team will explain the best option for your child, balancing safety and long-term outcomes.
• Is prenatal diagnosis always accurate? Fetal echo is highly accurate for many structural defects but sometimes the full picture becomes clearer after birth. Prenatal diagnosis allows for delivery planning and immediate neonatal care.
• What are the risks of catheter procedures? Risks are lower than open surgery but include device embolization, residual leak, vascular injury and arrhythmia. These are rare and the cath team prepares for immediate management.
• How many follow-up visits will my child need? Follow-up frequency depends on the lesion and repair type. Many children require lifelong periodic checks; others need a few years of surveillance then routine adult care if the repair is complete and asymptomatic.

For any specific concern — whether about “newborn heart screening Amritsar”, “fetal echo Amritsar” or “pediatric heart surgery Amritsar” — our coordinators at Livasa Amritsar are available to guide you through next steps, arrange urgent appointments and explain financial and logistic arrangements.

How to reach us and book an appointment

Livasa Hospitals — Livasa Amritsar is conveniently located for families across Amritsar and neighbouring districts of Punjab. If you are seeking the “best pediatric cardiologist Punjab” or “children's heart hospital Amritsar”, here are simple steps to access care:

• Call: +91 80788 80788 — our team will triage urgency and schedule same-day appointments for critical referrals.
• Book online: Use the appointment portal at https://www.livasahospitals.com/appointment to choose pediatric cardiology, fetal cardiology or pediatric cardiac surgery consultations.
• Emergency referrals: For newborns or children with breathing difficulty, cyanosis or suspected cardiac shock, proceed directly to our emergency department where pediatric cardiology is on-call.

When booking, please have the child’s birth history, prior ultrasound or echo reports, current medications and any referral notes ready. For prenatal fetal echos, bring obstetric scans and maternal medical records. Our patient coordinators will guide you on pre-visit preparations, expected tests and estimated costs. We support families with counseling, interpreter services and post-procedure planning to reduce stress during what can be a difficult time.

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