Learn about Intratubal Gamete Transfer (GIFT) treatment and rehabilitation options for children, including medical and surgical care and LIV Hospital’s special pediatric heart services.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Treatment and Recovery for GIFT-Associated Conditions

Some children born through Intratubal Gamete Transfer (GIFT) may have certain health conditions as they grow. These can include congenital (born-with) heart problems or differences in how their immune system works. Not every child will have these issues, but when they do, early care is important. LIV Hospital is prepared to help with a complete program that covers medical treatment, minimally invasive procedures, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. The goal is to help each child grow up healthy, strong, and able to enjoy normal activities.

Icon LIV Hospital

Medical Treatment Options for Children

IVF

For many children, medicine is the first and simplest way to manage symptoms caused by heart or immune system problems. Medicines help improve heart function, reduce swelling, and support the body’s natural defenses.

Diuretics (Fluid Reduction)

  • They help the body get rid of extra water and salt through urine.
  • When the heart struggles to pump, fluid may build up in the lungs or legs. Diuretics help remove this fluid.
  • By lowering fluid levels, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard. This can help a child breathe easier and feel more comfortable.

Heart Function Medications

One common group of heart medications is ACE inhibitors.

  • These medicines relax the blood vessels so the heart can pump blood more easily.
  • They lower blood pressure gently and safely.

They are very helpful for children who show signs of heart failure, which means the heart needs help to pump strongly enough.
These medicines are carefully dosed based on the child’s weight and condition.

Icon 1 LIV Hospital

Minimally Invasive Procedures

IVF

Whenever possible, LIV Hospital uses minimally invasive treatments. These procedures use very small tools and leave only tiny marks on the skin. They are usually done in a Cardiac Catheterization Lab, a special room with advanced equipment that allows doctors to repair heart problems without opening the chest.

Interventional Cardiac Catheterization

This is one of the most common and helpful tools for fixing heart defects.

  • A long, thin tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel, usually in the leg.
  • Doctors gently guide the tube to the heart using X-ray pictures.
  • Once the tube reaches the heart, they can insert devices to fix problems, such as closing small holes in the heart walls.
  • Children usually recover quickly.

Balloon Valvuloplasty or Angioplasty

Some heart valves or blood vessels become narrow. This makes it harder for blood to move.

  • A tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to gently stretch the narrow area.
  • This improves blood flow right away.
  • Often, this helps avoid open-heart surgery.

Minimally invasive procedures usually mean less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to regular activities.

Surgical Interventions

If a heart problem is too serious for catheter-based treatment, children may need open-heart surgery. This type of surgery is performed by experienced pediatric heart surgeons at LIV Hospital. It is used for large or complex structural problems that require direct repair.

Defect Repair

Some children are born with large openings in the walls between heart chambers, such as:

  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
    Surgery can close these holes and restore normal blood flow. Repairing these defects early helps prevent lung problems and future heart damage.

Valve Reconstruction

Heart valves control the direction of blood flow. If a valve is leaky or misshapen:

  • Surgeons may repair the valve to help it open and close correctly.
  • In rare cases, the valve must be replaced.
    Valve repairs can greatly improve a child’s energy and breathing.

Surgery is only recommended when it is the safest and best option.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Programs

Recovery from any heart treatment—whether small or major—requires special attention. LIV Hospital provides a complete support program that helps children regain strength and confidence.

Pediatric Cardiac Rehabilitation

This program includes safe exercises guided by trained specialists.

  • It helps children improve their strength, balance, and stamina.
  • Activities are designed based on age, health, and the type of heart repair done.
  • Exercise builds confidence and helps children return to school and play more smoothly.

Nutritional Support

Food plays a huge role in healing.

  • Dietitians work with families to create meal plans that support growth and recovery.
  • Some children need foods that are higher in calories or packed with protein.
  • Good nutrition helps wounds heal faster and keeps energy levels up.

IVF

Follow-up and Monitoring Protocols

After treatment, children need regular follow-up care to make sure their hearts continue to work well.
Follow-up is usually lifelong, especially for children with repaired heart defects.

Regular Cardiology Visits

  • Children see their pediatric heart doctor for checkups.
  • Visits may include tests like echocardiograms to check heart movement and strength.
  • Early detection of any changes helps prevent future problems.

Infection Prevention

Some children need antibiotics before certain dental or medical procedures.

  • This prevents a serious infection called infective endocarditis, which can affect the heart.

Parents receive clear instructions on when antibiotics are needed.

Recovery Time and Expectations

Every child’s recovery is different. LIV Hospital provides a personalized plan for each family so they know what to expect.

Minimally Invasive Recovery

  • Children usually stay in the hospital for just one night.
  • Most can return to normal activities within a week.
  • There is little pain, and healing is quick.

Surgical Recovery

Open-heart surgery requires more time.

  • Hospital stay usually lasts 5 to 10 days, including time in the PICU.
  • Full healing takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

Activity restrictions are slowly lifted as the child regains strength.

Why Choose LIV Hospital for Pediatric Cardiac Care

LIV Hospital is known for excellence in caring for children with heart problems, including those born through GIFT or other assisted reproductive treatments.

  • Specialized Pediatric Team: A dedicated team of pediatric cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and therapists works together. They have deep experience treating heart defects in babies and young children.
  • Advanced Technology: The hospital uses top-level medical equipment, including hybrid operating rooms where doctors can perform surgery and catheter procedures together if needed.

30 Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical

Book a Free Certified Online
Doctor Consultation

Clinics/branches

Was this article helpful?

Was this article helpful?

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the treatment options for congenital heart defects in children?

Treatments include medication, catheter-based procedures, and open-heart surgery for more serious conditions.

Catheter procedures require only a short recovery. Open-heart surgery usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for full recovery.

Not always. Some defects close on their own or can be treated with a catheter. Surgery is used only for large or complex problems.

Diuretics and ACE inhibitors are commonly used to reduce fluid and help the heart pump better.

Children receive rest, nutrition support, emotional care, and a safe return to physical activity through the rehabilitation team.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

RELATED NEWS

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

How helpful was it?

helpful
helpful
helpful
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)