Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) is a rare congenital heart defect in which the pulmonary veins do not connect properly to the left atrium of the heart, as they should in normal anatomy. Instead, these veins drain into the right atrium or other veins, leading to abnormal blood circulation. This condition prevents oxygen-rich blood from circulating efficiently to the rest of the body and can cause low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia). TAPVR often presents soon after birth with cyanosis, difficulty breathing, and poor growth. This condition is typically diagnosed and treated in infancy, though it may also be detected later in childhood. Surgical intervention is required to correct TAPVR and restore normal heart function. In this procedure, the pulmonary veins are rerouted to the left atrium, ensuring proper oxygenation of the blood.

TAPVR is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. It results from abnormal fetal development of the pulmonary veins and their connection to the heart. The exact cause of TAPVR is often unknown, but several factors can contribute:

1. Genetic Factors
   TAPVR is more likely to occur in children with a family history of heart defects. Genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome, increase the risk of congenital heart defects, including TAPVR.

2. Environmental Factors
   Maternal health conditions during pregnancy, such as diabetes, infections, or exposure to harmful substances, may affect fetal heart development and increase the risk of TAPVR.

3. Chromosomal Abnormalities
   Babies with chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Turner syndrome have an increased risk of congenital heart defects, including TAPVR.

4. Abnormal Development of the Pulmonary Veins
   TAPVR occurs when the pulmonary veins fail to properly connect to the left atrium during fetal development. Instead, they abnormally drain into the right atrium or other veins, leading to impaired circulation.

The symptoms of TAPVR are related to the inefficient oxygenation of blood due to the abnormal circulation of blood. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but they typically include:

1. Cyanosis (Bluish Skin)
   One of the most common symptoms of TAPVR is cyanosis, which is a bluish tint to the skin, especially on the lips, hands, and feet, due to low oxygen levels in the blood.

2. Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea)
   Infants with TAPVR often experience difficulty breathing and may have rapid, shallow breaths as they struggle to get enough oxygen into their bodies.

3. Fatigue and Weakness
   Babies and children with TAPVR may show signs of fatigue and weakness, especially during feeding or physical exertion, because their bodies are not receiving sufficient oxygen.

4. Poor Feeding and Failure to Thrive
   Infants with TAPVR may have difficulty feeding or gaining weight due to reduced oxygen levels, leading to poor growth and failure to thrive.

5. Swelling (Edema)
   In more severe cases, swelling in the legs, abdomen, or other parts of the body may occur as a result of poor blood circulation and heart failure.

6. Heart Murmur
   A doctor may detect an abnormal heart sound (heart murmur) during a physical exam, which can indicate a heart defect like TAPVR.

7. Frequent Respiratory Infections
   Children with TAPVR may have a weakened immune system and be more prone to respiratory infections, which can further affect heart and lung function.

The diagnosis of TAPVR involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and other diagnostic tests. These methods help evaluate the heart’s structure and the degree of pulmonary vein abnormalities:

1. Physical Examination
   During a physical exam, a healthcare provider will look for signs of cyanosis, listen for abnormal heart sounds (murmurs), and check for swelling or signs of heart failure.

2. Echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the Heart)
   An echocardiogram is the primary diagnostic tool used to visualize the structure of the heart and pulmonary veins. This imaging technique can show the abnormal connections of the pulmonary veins and assess the function of the heart’s chambers and valves.

3. Chest X-ray
   A chest X-ray can help doctors evaluate the size and shape of the heart and lungs, and it may reveal enlarged heart chambers or signs of fluid buildup in the lungs.

4. Cardiac MRI or CT Scan
   For more detailed images of the heart and blood vessels, a cardiac MRI or CT scan can provide better insight into the extent of the defect and any associated issues like pulmonary hypertension.

5. Cardiac Catheterization
   Cardiac catheterization is an invasive test that involves threading a catheter into a blood vessel to measure the pressures within the heart and blood vessels. It can provide additional details about the heart’s function and identify the specific veins affected by the abnormal venous return.

6. Pulse Oximetry
   This simple, non-invasive test measures the oxygen levels in the blood. In infants with TAPVR, oxygen levels are typically low, confirming the diagnosis of hypoxemia.

Few Major Hospitals for TAPVR are:

• Narayana Hrudalaya
• Apollo Hospitals
• Wockhardt Hospital
• Asian Heart Institute and research center
• Piyavate Hospital
• Florence Nightingale Hospital

Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and India are the most cost effective locations that offer up to almost 80% savings in comparison to the US.

SurgeryPlanet facilitates a plethora of services to the medical treatment traveler also which includes, a hassle free and discounted travel option, a welcome hand at the airport on arrival, travel in an air-conditioned car, round the clock service & support. Your medical evaluation is pre arranged with the least of waiting time. Once your assessment is complete and found medically fit, the procedure is immediately scheduled without a waiting period. Please read through our Services and Testimonials to understand and select your best options.

Treatment for Aortic Aneurysm surgery | surgeons Aortic aneurysm | Aortic aneurysm | Hospitals for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms |Surgeons for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms | Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms | Cardiology | cardiac surgery | cardiac hospitals | Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms surgery India | Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms surgery Thailand | cardio-thoracic surgeons | atherosclerotic plaque | endovascular repair | marfan syndrome | aortic valve | thoracic aorta | AAA repair | dilatation | Doctors for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms | Aortic Aneurysm surgery recovery | Aortic Aneurysm surgery in Singapore | Thoracic Aortic Aneyursm surgery in Singapore | Aortic Aneurysm surgery in India | Cost of Aortic Aneurysm surgery | Cost of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm surgery | Aortic Aneurysm surgery Information | Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm surgery information | Hospitals for Aortic aneurysm | Treatment for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm surgery | Doctors for Aortic aneurysm | Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm surgery recovery