ASO or Arterial switch procedure

The ever rising pollution levels and changes in our lifestyle have led to an increase in heart-related diseases. There are more and more people suffering from cholesterol issues, diabetes and even breathing issues. Research shows that even children and young people are susceptible to these ailments. Thankfully, healthcare organizations like Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute, have come up with advanced and accurate treatments for curing the problem. Here is a detailed list of services they offer and how the ASO procedure actually happens;

What is the ASO procedure?

ASO or Arterial switch procedure is a process where the doctor has to operate on the heart. It is an open heart operation used to correct the position of the arteries inside. The arteries and the veins are responsible for sending blood to and from the heart. They also regulate the blood pressure and supply of oxygen to different parts of the body. Any blockage or damage in these arteries can be fatal if left unchecked for long. Consulting a pediatric cardiologist in Hyderabad or best pediatric heart doctor in Hyderabad can help you know more about the procedure.
The procedure is performed on infants or very young children. The pulmonary arteries and coronary arteries are repaired and fixed in this procedure. This would track the regular flow of blood in the body and ensure that oxygenated blood is transported to every area. 

Pre-treatment care

The ASO procedure is a very critical procedure. It is therefore imperative that you follow the instructions given by the doctor. Check for compatible blood types for the surgery. Also, if the condition has been determined well in advance then you can prepare for the surgery soon after delivery as well. Compatibility of blood type and proper circulation is crucial for the success of this procedure. A heart hospital in Hyderabad and a best heart surgeon in Hyderabad can help you know more about the best treatment regarding the pre-treatment care.

You should also consult your doctor about the success rate of the procedure and the medicine dosage provided. The anesthesia type and dosage is also important for the surgery. Other tests like X-rays, MRI scans, CTI scans and others can also be prescribed.

Post-surgery precautions

Once the surgery is over, you might be required to adhere to a set of instructions given by the doctor. Monitor the diet of the mother and the baby. Also, it would be better if you keep the baby under intensive care or an incubator for the first week. This would prevent the risk of infections. Bring the child home once they have fully recovered.
The doctors might ask you to keep the patient in ventilators or give oxygen masks, chest pumps and other devices. Learn how to use this equipment in case of an emergency. You can even get a nurse on hire to supervise the child 24*7.

FAQs about ASO

ASO is a procedure not a lot of you might understand. Here are some of the commonly asked questions that parents come up with. We have made an attempt to dispel all your worries and ensure that your kid will be healthy in no time.

How do we prepare for the surgery?

Our team of doctors are the best in the field. They are trained and experienced enough to handle these cases with precision. The preparation process for the surgery might take a few tests and medication into consideration. The nursing staff and other caretakers are also appointed to check in on the patient every now and then

What is the success rate of ASO?

Thanks to technology, the mortality rate of heart patients has dropped drastically. Infants now have a higher chance of survival thanks to the ASO procedure. Plus, the surgery is also not very expensive. You can apply for health insurance, loans and other monetary support options to ease the burden a bit. Just ensure that your kid is taken care of as instructed by the doctor. You should also be careful about the exposure and infections that your child might be vulnerable to.

Would my child need ASO?

This would depend on the health condition of your kid. There are a few tests that you need to undergo to determine the seriousness of the issue. The ASO procedure is usually prescribed to kids who are very young and have breathing issues. The doctors also have to check the blood pressure, arteries and sugar levels in the body. Ensure that your child is taken care of and follows all the precautionary measures for the procedure to be a success.

The bottom line

ASO is a complicated procedure. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about the consequences because at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute there are a team of equipped professionals trained to deal with these cases. No parent wants to see their child suffer and in pain. Do not overlook the signs, there might be chances that your kid has a serious medical issue. Get an appointment with the best doctors and healthcare experts in the area. You can even check out their website to know more about the services they offer.