Rüzgar Was Diagnosed With Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a Congenital Heart Condition

In Ordu, Turkey, a baby named Rüzgar, born at 24 weeks weighing 610 grams, underwent a bedside heart surgery in the neonatal intensive care unit to close a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The procedure was performed by Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Karaci, a Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery specialist who traveled from Istanbul for the operation. Vildan Baş, a resident of the city, gave birth to her 24-week-old baby by cesarean section 19 days ago at Ordu Gynecology and Children's Diseases Hospital.

Doctors detected an open vessel in the baby's heart, known as PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus). When the vessel did not close despite medication, plans were made to transfer the baby to Istanbul by ambulance plane. However, because the baby's very low weight made the transfer risky, Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Karaci from Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital was invited to Ordu.

Prof. Dr. Karaci, together with Pediatric Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Taner Kasar and Neonatologist Dr. Bilgin Azrak, who work in Ordu, performed a bedside PDA ligation surgery on the baby in the neonatal intensive care unit. The open vessel was successfully closed. Prof. Dr. Karaci noted that PDA is a common problem in premature and low-birth-weight babies.

He explained that medication is tried first, and if the vessel does not close, surgical closure is required. "Transporting such small premature babies to other centers is risky," he said. "These surgeries can be performed at the center where the baby is, if hospital conditions are suitable.

We had such a baby in Ordu. We assessed that the hospital conditions were appropriate and came here. We successfully closed the baby's vessel.

The control echo also came out well. The operation went well. Drawing attention to the delicate nature of the surgery on a baby weighing about 600 grams, Prof. Dr." Karaci added, "The small size of the child makes the job difficult.

Even touching a 600-gram baby requires great care regarding infection. The surgery went well; hopefully, the baby will grow and develop quickly. Neonatologist Dr. Bilgin Azrak stated that the baby's condition is stable after the surgery and that the first 24 hours are critical." He emphasized that transferring a 610-gram premature baby to another center carries risks, making the bedside operation in Ordu significant.

Pediatric Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Taner Kasar also noted that PDA is a problem particularly seen in premature babies and that the vessel that did not close with medication was surgically closed. The baby, named 'Rüzgar' by the family, continues treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit. Ordu Training and Research Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Ali Yılmaz presented a certificate of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Karaci for traveling from Istanbul to Ordu for the operation. The baby's treatment is ongoing.