In an inspiring medical success, six-year-old Kanishka, born as a “blue baby” due to severe oxygen deficiency, has received a new chance at life after a complex heart surgery.
Doctors said she was born with multiple congenital heart abnormalities that reduced oxygen flow in the body, causing a bluish skin tone from infancy.
Her condition required several interventions, and she underwent her first major surgery in 2020 before turning one year old.
Rare and complex heart defects
Doctors explained that Kanishka had “single ventricle physiology”, where the heart functions with only one effective pumping chamber instead of two.
She also had Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries, in which major blood vessels were connected abnormally.
Additional complications included a ventricular septal defect and Pulmonary Atresia, severely affecting blood oxygenation.
Condition worsened again
Nearly five years after her first surgery, Kanishka reportedly began turning blue again and struggled to breathe, with oxygen saturation falling to 70%.
Her family, facing financial hardship, sought treatment at multiple hospitals before receiving support.
Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Vidyajagat Cancer Foundation and Studds Accessories Ltd jointly helped fund the procedure.
Seven-hour surgery changes life
A team led by Dr Yatin Arora performed a seven-hour Fontan Procedure to restructure blood circulation.
Doctors said the surgery helped her body receive adequate oxygen for the first time in years.
She reportedly recovered well and was taken off ventilator support soon after surgery.
Hope restored
The successful treatment has brought immense relief to the family and stands as a powerful example of medical skill and compassionate support.