JNMC doctors implant 10-year-old with pacemaker

Aligarh : The Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) witnessed a major breakthrough with the successful implantion of a permanent pacemaker to save the life of a 10-year-old boy who was suffering from post-Covid Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome leading to a complete heart block. The operation was a first of its kind done on such a young child at JNMC.

The child admitted in the cardiology OPD of JNMC was diagnosed with a complete heart block and had a history of falling unconscious. Doctors were able to revive him after which a decision was taken to put in a permanent pacemaker.

Prof M U Rabbani (Chairman, Department of Cardiology) who led the procedure with his team comprising Dr Shaad Abqari (Nodal Officer, Paediatric Cardiac Unit), Dr M Moaz Kidwai and Dr Eeman Naim informed: “The child was earlier resuscitated from the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, developed after suffering the Covid infection. But he developed heart block again and after keeping him in observation, we decided to go for a permanent pacemaker implantation”.

“The pacemaker boosted the child’s heart rate immediately and he was discharged after full recovery,” added Prof Rabbani.

Dr Shaad Abqari pointed out: “Though pacemaker implantation is common in adults, this is a rare case in which a 10-year-old successfully withstood the procedure of undergoing incision and leads through the blood to the heart connecting the pulse generator inside his body”.

“People with children suffering complete heart blocks do not have to pay exorbitant fees at private hospitals in metropolitans—they can reach JNMC for treatments. Our doctors and surgeons have been successfully conducting these complicated procedures”, said AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor while congratulating Prof Rabbani and his team.

Prof Shahid A Siddiqui (Principal, JNMC) said, “JNMC is equipped with the state-of-art facilities to provide the best cardiac care to children with heart problems.