Kolkata, September 28, 2026: Ahead of World Heart Day, Neotia Bhagirathi Women and Child Care Centre (NBWCCC), New Town, hosted ‘The Heartbeat Sessions’, highlighting advances in paediatric cardiac care and three successful Double Switch Operations (DSO) performed on children with Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries (ccTGA), a rare and complex congenital heart condition.
The paediatric cardiac team at NBWCCC recently performed three Double Switch Operations within a month, with all three children reported to be doing well during follow-up. During the session, one of the children who underwent the procedure, along with family members, shared their journey from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the importance of timely medical intervention and comprehensive paediatric cardiac care.
A panel of paediatric cardiac specialists from NBWCCC, including Dr. Nilanjan Dutta, Senior Consultant, Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery; Dr. Sanjiban Ghosh, Consultant, Interventional Paediatric & Foetal Cardiology; Dr. Aritra Mukherji, Consultant, Interventional Paediatric & Foetal Cardiology; and Dr. Sayandeep Jana, Consultant, Cardiac Anaesthesia and Critical Care, discussed the complexities involved in diagnosing and treating ccTGA and the role of Double Switch Surgery in appropriately selected patients.
The experts emphasised that ccTGA can sometimes remain without obvious symptoms during the early years, despite the altered anatomy of the heart. They highlighted the importance of detailed pre-operative assessment, parental counselling, informed decision-making and long-term follow-up. According to the specialists, patients require continued multidisciplinary monitoring after surgery, as some may develop complications such as heart block or require further interventions in the future.
Dr. Nilanjan Dutta explained that Double Switch Operation is performed relatively infrequently because of the rarity and complexity of the condition. He stressed the importance of thoroughly counselling parents about the risks associated with the procedure and the need for regular follow-up after surgery. He also noted that patients undergoing procedures such as Senning-Rastelli may require future interventions related to the conduit.
The post-operative management of these complex cases was also discussed. Dr. Sayandeep Jana highlighted the need for intensive monitoring of heart rate, rhythm and cardiac function in the ICU following surgery. Dr. Aritra Mukherji emphasised the importance of detailed pre-operative assessment of cardiac function, while Dr. Sanjiban Ghosh underlined the significance of lifelong follow-up, including monitoring for potential heart block and the possible need for future catheter-based interventions or pacemaker implantation.
The specialists further stressed the importance of recognising symptoms that may require medical evaluation, including poor weight gain, recurrent respiratory infections, bluish discolouration of the lips or nails and abnormal heart sounds. They noted that children with complex congenital heart conditions require long-term surveillance to monitor their heart health and identify any late complications.
According to the hospital, its paediatric cardiac department has performed 252 cardiac surgeries, including complex and high-risk procedures, along with 477 catheterisation laboratory interventions, with encouraging patient outcomes.
The session also marked the announcement of a partnership between Neotia Bhagirathi Women and Child Care Centre and Make-A-Wish India’s Kolkata Chapter. Under the collaboration, the paediatric cardiology department will identify children who have overcome complex cardiac conditions and treatment journeys. Make-A-Wish India Kolkata Chapter will then work with these children and their families to help fulfil their cherished wishes, creating experiences aimed at celebrating their resilience and bringing renewed hope.
The event showcased NBWCCC’s focus on advanced paediatric cardiac care through a multidisciplinary approach combining specialised surgical expertise, critical care, interventional cardiology and long-term patient support. The hospital said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to helping children with congenital heart conditions achieve better health outcomes and quality of life.
