Successful Heart Defect Closure for 28 year-old Resident with Minimal Invasive Surgery by Zulekha Hospital Experts

Kathleen with Dr. Nilesh Oswal and Dr. Anil Bansal

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 9 September 2019: Kathleen Purificacion Farinas, 28-year-old UAE
resident reached out to Zulekha Hospital when she experienced fatigue during her daily routine. She
was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect a month ago. In such cases, patients can be completely
asymptomatic or complain of tiredness on exertion and repeated chest infections.
This congenital defect occurs as a result of early developmental problems in the heart’s structure. The
exact cause of this defect in children is unknown but it can run in the family. If one or both parents or sibling
are affected then there is a high probability of this defect in the child. At times taking certain prescribed
drugs and consuming alcohol during pregnancy can increase a child’s risk of developing a heart defect.
Mothers who had a viral infection during the first trimester of pregnancy are more likely to give birth to
a child with a heart defect, increased blood sugar levels may also affect heart development. Scientists
have known that some types of congenital heart defects can be related to an abnormality in the number
of an infant's chromosomes or single gene defect.

If left untreated in the long term, individuals are at risk of developing high lung pressure, heart failure,
infection in the heart, heart rhythm disturbances, a high risk of stroke and sudden death.
Consultant Pediatric Cardiology Dr Nilesh Oswal says, “While most cases are treated in childhood,
adults also can safely undergo this closure. The treatments are simple and involve one or two-hour key-
hole procedures, and today there are several different types of devices available in the market for the
closures. The devices are made of Nitinol, safe material and have two disks to close the hole. Patients
can be mobilized six hours after the surgery and then resume their normal activities.”
Kathleen remarked, “I am very happy with the outcome of the defect closing procedure done at Zulekha
Hospital, Dubai. I am breathing more comfortably now and feel a lot lighter while performing my daily
tasks.”
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Dr Anil Bansal who supported the procedure added, “Families of
such patients are impacted with a lower quality of life. Patients are generally panicking when one is
diagnosed with the opening in his/her heart. They can lead a healthy life with a simple procedure and
little caution. We are glad that we are helping Kathleen and similar patients normalize their lives.”
Kathleen is advised to take medicines for thinning blood for six months to prevent developing any blood
clots around the device and avoid strenuous exercises for two weeks. Chances of any recurrence are
absolutely negligible.
About Zulekha Healthcare Group www.zulekhahospitals.com
Zulekha Healthcare Group is a Superbrand and among the forerunners in UAE healthcare. Today the Zulekha
Healthcare Group includes two multidisciplinary hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah, as well as four UAE medical
centres and three pharmacies providing specialised treatments in over 30 disciplines. The group also has a
multidisciplinary hospital in India – Alexis. Zulekha Hospital has received extensive recognition for its commitment
towards quality care and sustainable business practices, and recently received the prestigious Dubai Quality Award
for the second time in four years, underling a commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to patients and
society.

Media Contact:
Sameena Khanam – Senior Manager PR and Communications
Zulekha Hospitals: +971 6 5069254 (skhanam@zulekhahospitals.com)