Treatment of congenital heart defects in children at clinics in Switzerland: Outstanding methods and specialized services

 One of the most frequently diagnosed congenital abnormalities is heart defects. They are detected in the first days of a child's life, and when ultrasound examination of the fetus at the stage of carrying the child with modern equipment, diagnosis can be earlier. 

Treatment of congenital heart defects in children is an important stage in medical practice that requires special attention and qualification. Clinics in Switzerland provide outstanding medical services for children with heart problems, ensuring a high standard of care and innovative treatment methods.

How congenital heart defects manifest

There are over a hundred types of the considered pathology, and the classification of heart defects is quite extensive. For example, blue and white heart defects are distinguished: in the former case, the characteristic sign of the pathology will be the blueness of the skin, and in the latter, its pronounced paleness. Symptoms of problems with the structure of the main organ may manifest even during intrauterine development, and signs of a heart defect in the fetus on ultrasound may be a reason for both artificial termination of pregnancy and for providing qualified medical assistance to the unborn child.

If no deviations were detected before the birth of the baby, then heart defects can be diagnosed in newborns based on the following symptoms:

• after birth, the baby has a pronounced bluish or pale shade of the skin of the face, ear shells, and upper extremities;
• blueness of the skin manifests during the crying/cries of the newborn or during feeding;
• the baby's limbs are always cold.

During the examination of the child, a pediatrician may detect murmurs in the heart, and although this is not a characteristic sign of the considered pathology, additional examinations will be conducted to clarify the diagnosis.

Often, immediately after birth, the child develops normally and no signs of heart function abnormalities are detected by doctors. This development of the situation is typical for anomalies in the development of the valve system – symptoms of heart valve defects often manifest only by the age of 10:

• shortness of breath appears;
• the child lags behind in physical development;
• periodically the skin of the face becomes bluish.

A heart defect in a newborn baby can also manifest as heart failure – a very dangerous condition that in most cases leads to a fatal outcome.

Types of heart defects

• Most often, newborns are diagnosed with aortic and mitral heart defects. In the first case, the cause of the pathology may be the absence of one of the valve leaflets or its dystrophy. The diagnosis of aortic heart defect is often made only at the age of 10 – the pathology belongs to the category of congenital, but no symptoms are detected before this moment.
• Mitral heart defect is diagnosed even during the intrauterine period, which allows surgeons to perform surgery with special endovascular instruments either before birth or immediately after the baby is born.
• It is worth mentioning rheumatic heart defect separately – this type of considered pathology develops in case of rheumatism in the mother and the absence of competent treatment before pregnancy. Typically, rheumatism negatively affects the formation of aortic valves – they may have openings (which should not be normal) or become deformed.

Expert diagnosis of heart defects in clinics in Switzerland

When signs of a heart defect are detected in a young patient, accurate diagnosis becomes of paramount importance. Clinics in Switzerland are equipped with modern medical equipment that allows for high-precision examinations, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography. This allows doctors to obtain a detailed picture of the defect and choose the optimal treatment plan.

Echocardiography

An additional powerful tool in the arsenal of diagnosing heart defects in children is Echocardiography. This method is based on the use of ultrasound waves to create a real-time image of the heart. It provides information about the movement of blood, assesses the condition of the valves and gives doctors a complete picture of the functional aspects of the heart.

Echocardiography is based on sending ultrasound waves into the patient's body, followed by their reflection from the tissues of the heart. This process creates detailed images that display blood flow, valve structure, and the overall condition of the heart. Echocardiography provides a dynamic representation of cardiac activity, making it ideal for detecting defects.

Deep Data Analysis

Valve Assessment and Blood Flow:

• Echocardiography provides physicians with the opportunity for a thorough assessment of the heart valves' condition.
• Detecting backflow of blood due to valve malfunction is a critically important aspect.
• Detailed examination of structural anomalies helps identify defects at early stages, ensuring more effective treatment.

Measurement of Chamber Sizes and Functions:

• Echocardiography methodology includes measuring the sizes and functionality of heart chambers.
• Assessment of systolic and diastolic function provides information about the heart's performance at various stages of its cycle.
• This allows physicians not only to detect defects but also to assess the extent of their impact on overall cardiac function.

Utilization of Doppler Analysis:

• An additional advantage of echocardiography is the possibility of Doppler analysis application.
• Doppler analysis measures blood flow velocity, which becomes crucial in assessing the degree of vessel stenosis or obstruction.
• This allows physicians to more accurately determine the nature of the defect and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Echocardiography not only provides images but becomes a tool that deeply analyzes data, allowing physicians to accurately diagnose and develop individual treatment plans for young patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)  

  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic method that provides a unique opportunity to visualize the internal structures of the heart with high detail and without radiation exposure. In the context of diagnosing heart defects in children, MRI becomes an indispensable tool, providing physicians with a detailed understanding of heart anatomy and functions.

Magnetic resonance imaging is based on the influence of a strong magnetic field and radio waves on hydrogen atoms in the patient's body. This creates signals that are then processed by the computer to create three-dimensional images of internal organs. In the context of cardiac diagnostics, MRI allows physicians to study the structure, function, and blood supply of the heart.

Advantages of MRI in Diagnosing Heart Defects

• High Image Detailing
• Magnetic resonance imaging provides incredibly detailed images of the heart's structures.
• It allows for the detection of the smallest anomalies, such as valve defects, undeveloped septa, and other defects.
• Absence of Ionizing Radiation
• The absence of ionizing radiation makes the method safe for children.
• It allows for repeat examinations without risking health. 
•  Multiplane Diagnostics
• The ability to obtain images of the heart in various planes significantly improves the analysis capability.
• It is important for complex defects to determine the optimal treatment plan.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective and safe method for diagnosing heart defects in children.Its high detailing and absence of ionizing radiation make it an invaluable tool for doctors striving to ensure accurate and reliable diagnostics in complex cases.

Modern Methods of Treating Heart Defects in Children in Swiss Clinics

• Each case of heart defect in children is unique, and doctors in Swiss clinics approach treatment with maximum individualization. Personalized approach includes determining the characteristics of the defect, taking into account the patient's age features, and developing an optimal therapeutic plan.
• Typically, surgical treatment is prescribed upon diagnosis - surgical operations for heart defects are the only way to ensure a full life for a child and an adult in the future. Modern methods and equipment allow even the most complex operations, including the implantation of an artificial valve if it is not subject to "restoration". It is noteworthy that not all patients are disabled with the considered pathology - the patient's general condition, the results of surgical treatment, and the likelihood of relapse are taken into account. Of course, patients with the pathology under consideration (even in the case of a successfully performed operation) will need to limit themselves in physical exertion and regularly undergo preventive examinations, thereby preventing the development of complications.

Specialized Services for Children and Their Families in Swiss Clinics

Treatment of heart defects is not only medical procedures but also support for children and their families. Clinics in Switzerland provide psychological support and rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring health and adapting to everyday life.

 Psychological Support in Swiss Clinics

Significant attention is paid to psychological support when treating heart defects in children in Swiss clinics. Psychology specialists work with children and their families, providing emotional support in difficult moments. This is an important aspect that helps cope with stress and emotional difficulties associated with treatment.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs are aimed at restoring health after treating heart defects. They include physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and other methods of rehabilitative medicine. These programs are developed individually, taking into account the characteristics of each child, to ensure optimal restoration of bodily functions.

Organization of Treatment in Switzerland 

For effective organization of heart defect treatment in Switzerland, we recommend turning to professionals CorSwiss  - is a company specializing in organizing medical services in Switzerland. With their experience and expertise, you can be assured of quality support at every stage, from choosing the right clinic to handling administrative formalities.