Best Doctor List Near You for Kawashima Procedure in Wollongong

The Kawashima procedure is a surgical technique used in the management of certain congenital heart defects, specifically in the context of complex transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or other conditions requiring the re-routing of systemic and pulmonary blood flow. Named after Dr. Kawashima, this procedure involves creating a conduit between the superior vena cava (SVC) and the pulmonary artery to facilitate proper blood flow and improve oxygenation. By connecting the SVC directly to the pulmonary artery, the procedure helps to manage the condition where the heart's normal circulatory pathways are disrupted. The Kawashima procedure is typically indicated for patients with congenital heart defects that result in abnormal blood flow patterns, such as TGA, where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched, or other conditions with compromised blood flow. It is often used as part of a staged approach to heart surgery, where it provides temporary stabilization and improves oxygenation while awaiting more definitive corrective procedures or heart transplantation. Symptoms leading to the need for the Kawashima procedure include severe cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels), difficulty breathing, and poor feeding or growth in infants. These symptoms arise because the abnormal blood flow reduces the efficiency of oxygen delivery to the body. The Kawashima procedure helps improve oxygenation and reduce symptoms by re-routing blood flow in a more effective manner, thus stabilizing the patient's condition and providing a bridge to further surgical interventions or treatments.