10-Year-Old Ghana Patient Undergoes Balloon Mitral Valvotomy in India

For 10-year-old Enyonam Adzaho from Ghana, the need for heart treatment was something her family had to approach with particular care. At her age, the experience was very different from that of an adult patient. Her father was closely involved in the medical decisions and wanted to understand what was happening with his daughter’s heart before agreeing to treatment.

The family began exploring cardiac care outside Ghana and considered India for specialised treatment. Enyonam’s medical reports and investigations were reviewed as part of the process, allowing the cardiac team to assess her condition and discuss the proposed procedure with her parents.

The name balloon mitral valvotomy was unfamiliar to the family at first. Her father wanted to know how the procedure worked, why it was being recommended, and whether it would require open-heart surgery. In suitable patients with mitral stenosis, percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy is performed through a catheter to open the narrowed mitral valve, rather than through conventional open-heart surgery. (JACC)

For Enyonam’s parents, the most difficult part was preparing their young daughter for treatment without frightening her. They had to explain that she would be going to a hospital, meeting doctors, and undergoing a procedure, while also trying to keep her reassured.

Travelling from Ghana to India was another major step for the family. They were entering an unfamiliar healthcare environment while carrying the worries that naturally come with caring for a child with a heart condition. Once they arrived, the consultations, examinations, and pre-procedure preparation helped the family understand the schedule and what would happen next.

On the day of the procedure, Enyonam’s father remained close to her until she was taken for treatment. The waiting period was difficult for the family, particularly because they knew she was undergoing a cardiac procedure at such a young age.

Afterwards, their attention shifted to her comfort and recovery. Enyonam needed time to rest and gradually return to normal activities. Her father focused on making sure she followed the doctors’ instructions and did not become too impatient to get back to her usual routine.

For the family, the recovery was measured through simple moments—a smile, a normal conversation, eating comfortably, and seeing Enyonam gradually become more like herself again.

The journey from Ghana to India therefore became a family experience rather than something Enyonam faced alone. Her parents handled the arrangements and decisions, while Enyonam took each stage as it came.

Looking back on his daughter’s experience, Enyonam’s father said:

“As a father, I found it difficult to see my daughter preparing for a heart procedure at such a young age. My biggest job was to stay calm around her even when I had worries of my own. Before we travelled, I wanted to understand exactly what the doctors were planning so that I could explain it to her in a simple way. During the procedure, waiting was probably the hardest part for me. When she came back and I could see her resting comfortably, I felt a huge sense of relief. Watching her smile again during recovery was the moment that meant the most to me.”

Thank You
Enyonam Adzaho from Ghana

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