Kolkata, 7th October 2026: What initially appeared to be a congenital heart defect (a heart problem present from birth) requiring surgical correction led to an advanced minimally invasive procedure for a 13-year-old girl patient, Farzana Nasrin (name changed), from Bangladesh at Manipal Hospital, Broadway, where Dr. Sujoy Chatterjee, HOD-Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, successfully performed the surgery. The procedure was carried out through an approximately two-inch incision on the right side of the chest, positioned discreetly behind the underarm, minimising visible scarring while effectively treating the heart defect.
The patient was initially evaluated for a catheter-based procedure (treatment using a thin tube inserted through a blood vessel) to close the hole. However, after evaluation, the doctors determined that this approach was not suitable for her, making surgical closure of the defect the preferred course of treatment. Considering her young age and the potential long-term impact of a prominent chest scar, the team opted for a minimally invasive approach. The patient was stable and recovering well on the second day after surgery and is expected to lead an active and normal life with appropriate medical follow-up.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Sujoy Chatterjee said, “In children and adolescents with congenital heart disease, our responsibility goes beyond correcting the heart defect; we also must consider their long-term quality of life. A conventional incision in the centre of the chest can leave a prominent scar and may affect a young person’s confidence. In this case, catheter-based closure was not feasible, so we opted for a minimally invasive approach and successfully corrected the defect through an approximately two-inch incision placed behind the underarm. The patient is recovering well and, with appropriate follow-up and a healthy lifestyle, should be able to lead an active and normal life.”
Sharing her experience, Farzana Nasrin (name changed) said, “I was initially worried when I came to know that I would need heart surgery, as I did not know what to expect. I am very happy that the doctors were able to treat my heart problem and that the surgery was done through a small incision. Knowing that the scar is hidden behind my underarm makes me feel more comfortable and confident about the future. I am recovering well and looking forward to going back home, returning to school and getting back to my normal activities.”
About Manipal Hospitals:
Manipal Hospitals is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers serving ~ 8 million patients annually, focussed on providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services. Manipal’s integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 50 hospitals with over 13,400 licensed beds across 14 States & Union Territories. The network is India’s largest multispecialty hospital network by bed capacity, supported by a talented pool of 11,000+ doctors and an employee strength of over 25,000. With a commitment to provide patient-centric care, Manipal Hospitals combines clinical expertise with advanced technology, research and innovation to serve a multitude of patients across the globe. Its continued focus on clinical quality and operational excellence is reflected in its NABH accreditation, with several of its hospitals also accredited by NABL and recognised for its excellence in nursing and emergency care.
