Apollo Children’s Hospital Pioneers Non-Surgical Fontan Procedure, Revolutionizing Pediatric Heart Treatment

Chennai, August, 2024: Apollo Children’s Hospital has marked a groundbreaking milestone in pediatric cardiac care by successfully performing the Fontan procedure without surgical intervention. This achievement, led by Dr. Neville AG Solomon, Head of the Cardiac Department, and Dr. CS Muthukumaran, Head of Interventional Cardiology, represents a significant leap forward in treating complex heart conditions in children.
With a track record of over 6,500 open-heart surgeries and 10,133 interventional procedures, Apollo Children’s Hospital has established itself as a leader in pediatric cardiac care. The hospital’s Interventional Cardiology Division, under Dr. Muthukumaran’s guidance, has become India’s largest center for advanced procedures such as ductal stenting in infants as small as 1.2 kg and VSD device closures for babies weighing just 4 kg.
Dr. Neville AG Solomon, Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Apollo Children’s Hospital said, “Our holistic approach at Apollo Children’s Hospital combines surgical and interventional expertise to provide optimal treatment for children with complex heart conditions. This non-surgical Fontan procedure exemplifies our commitment to innovative, patient-centered car”
Dr. CS Muthukumaran, Paediatric Cardiologist, Apollo Children’s Hospital said, “This breakthrough offers a lifeline for children with single-ventricle heart defects. Patients can now be discharged within 2-3 days, dramatically reducing recovery time. The success of this procedure is a testament to our team’s dedication and meticulous planning. so far we completed 12 non-surgical fontan procedure with 100% success and the longest follow-up is 2 years.”
Apollo Children’s Hospital Chennai continues to advance pediatric cardiac care through its blend of cutting-edge technology and expert medical professionals. The successful implementation of the non-surgical Fontan procedure marks a new chapter in cardiac care for children worldwide.
About Apollo Hospitals:
It was in 1983, that Dr Prathap C Reddy made a pioneering endeavor by launching India’s first corporate hospital – Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Now, as Asia’s foremost trusted integrated healthcare group, its presence includes over 12,000 beds across 72 Hospitals and 5000 pharmacies, over 400 Primary Care clinics and 1228 Diagnostic centers, 700 plus Teleclinics, over 15 medical education centers and a Research Foundation with a focus on global Clinical Trials. The most recent investment was the commissioning of South East Asia’s very first Proton Therapy Centre in Chennai.
Every four days, the Apollo Hospitals Group touches a million lives, in its mission to bring healthcare of international standards within the reach of every individual. In a rare honour, the Government of India had issued a commemorative stamp in recognition of Apollo’s contribution, the first for a healthcare organization. Apollo Hospitals Chairman, Dr Prathap C Reddy, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2010.
For 40 years, the Apollo Hospitals Group has continuously excelled and maintained leadership in medical innovation, world-class clinical services and cutting-edge technology. Its hospitals are consistently ranked amongst the best hospitals in the country for advanced medical services.