Maren went to Rady's Childrens Hospital today for a sedated echocardiogram so the doctors could get an updated picture of the size and dimensions of her right ventricle. She had not been seen by her doctor since her surgery on October 23, 2009. At that time, it seemed likely that heart surgery would be set for around February 2010 - whether as part of a 2 ventricle repair or a 1.5 ventricle repair. We were bracing for this surgery and expecting the type of surgery to be dictated by the results of today's test.
But, Maren is on her own calendar, and apparently has her own heart plan in mind which she had not yet decided to share with us. The test today showed that she has improved just enough - yet again - to push off the surgery decision as to 2 ventricle/1.5 ventricle. The 1.5 ventricle plan appears more probable than not. Her ventricle is a little bit bigger - "but still not big enough" according to her doctor. Because her oxygen levels are still 95%, and the pressure gradient in her right ventricle and across the pulmonary valve is improved (which was a major goal of the October 23, 2009 procedure), we are still not under the gun to make a surgery decision right now.
So, rather than surgery in February, we are now scheduled for a routine checkup in February. If there are no surprises between here and there (namely, a decrease in Maren's oxygen levels), the plan is to schedule Maren for an MRI in an effort to get a clearer picture of her ventricle. This MRI could be scheduled for approximately late March 2010. We are encouraged by the fact that Maren's progress supports the risks and costs of the MRI - which requires general anesthesia to insure Maren does not move at all - and is the cutting edge of right ventricle mapping. (See
But, Maren is on her own calendar, and apparently has her own heart plan in mind which she had not yet decided to share with us. The test today showed that she has improved just enough - yet again - to push off the surgery decision as to 2 ventricle/1.5 ventricle. The 1.5 ventricle plan appears more probable than not. Her ventricle is a little bit bigger - "but still not big enough" according to her doctor. Because her oxygen levels are still 95%, and the pressure gradient in her right ventricle and across the pulmonary valve is improved (which was a major goal of the October 23, 2009 procedure), we are still not under the gun to make a surgery decision right now.
So, rather than surgery in February, we are now scheduled for a routine checkup in February. If there are no surprises between here and there (namely, a decrease in Maren's oxygen levels), the plan is to schedule Maren for an MRI in an effort to get a clearer picture of her ventricle. This MRI could be scheduled for approximately late March 2010. We are encouraged by the fact that Maren's progress supports the risks and costs of the MRI - which requires general anesthesia to insure Maren does not move at all - and is the cutting edge of right ventricle mapping. (See
http://www.pvrireview.org/article.asp?issn=0974-6013;year=2009;volume=1;issue=3;spage=180;epage=185;aulast=Blyth
(And Scroll down to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging)
(And Scroll down to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging)
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ReplyDeleteThis is great news, esp that her right ventricle is growing and that she is doing so well. And the photo is beautiful, what a big girl she is!
ReplyDeleteGreat news! I am so glad she is doing well. It seems like she has an angel on her shoulder watching out for her. I hope that everything continues to look good into the new year.
ReplyDeleteJust reviewed latest news on Maren. All sounds so positive. Think how much has happened in so short a period and how she has adapted. Know you all will have a very merry first Christmas with her. Love you all
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