"A Brighter Future For Babies With Heart Defects" - Peter Pastuszko, MD
In women who receive comprehensive prenatal care, the overwhelming majority of significant defects are found during a fetal ultrasound test before the baby is born. Those defects missed while the fetus is still in the womb are often discovered through an unusual heart sound, or murmur, after birth. Most murmurs are harmless, but sometimes they indicate structural damage. “The most common defects surgeons see require a single operation that usually can be done semi-electively, meaning it doesn’t have to be done immediately after birth,” said Peter Pastuszko, MD, chief of pediatric cardiovascular surgery and director of pediatric cardiovascular services at the Mount Sinai Health System. “What has changed tremendously is our understanding of how both the defects and surgical procedures affect the body’s organs – especially the brain. We are better able to protect children around the time of surgery and manage the post-operative recovery.” Heart surgery is not a simple thing, and there are risks. But today, most kids will survive through even the most serious defects, and grow up to be a source of pride and joy to their parents.
- Peter Pastuszko, MD, Chief, Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Director, Pediatric Cardiovascular Services, Mount Sinai Health System