Cully Charles: Surgery Day

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Surgery Day - Noon

Our little strawberry came to the hospital a little after surgery began to spend some time with mom and dad. It was great to have here her for a few hours.

Around 11:30 am, Dr. Vezmar, one of the cardiologists let us know the surgery was on track and going very smoothly. A few more hours and he should be back in his room in the CVCC.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff of Minneapolis Children’s Hospital, especially the team on CVCC. The CVCC unit is a group of unbelievably knowledgeable, professional and welcoming people that truly work as a team. We are remarkably lucky to have a top-notch facility and care team so close to home. Each step of the way, every member of the team has gone out of their way to explain each procedure thoroughly, and allow us to ask a litany of questions in an effort to make us feel as comfortable as possible.

This is a truly an extrodinary operation!

1 comment:

SheayaOctober 31, 2013 at 2:04 PM
Carl, Jess, Tillie & baby Cully -

I ( Sheaya ) had no idea that you were expecting, much less the fearsome challenges that you all have faced & are currently facing. The prognosis sounds tremendously positive & hopeful & we will be praying for all of you as you navigate this experience. Jess - you & Carl both have such strong, positive & loving spirits, there is no doubt that your little boy has inherited those traits from the two of you & will remain a fighter. If there is anything at all that we can do for your family; a meal, errands, laundry, cleaning - PLEASE do not hesitate to reach out to those of us that are able & willing to help in any way that we can. I ( Sheaya ) am free Monday thru Friday from 10am-4pm. ( except from 11/5-11/20 we will be out of town ) & I would be more than willing to sit for Tillie, just play with her, run errands, grocery shop- whatever you might need in order to be able to spend as much time with your little boy as possible. Again, please don't hesitate to ask for help. We are here for you all. Prayers, Love & Hope.

The Geisen Family
Kevin Sr., Sheaya, Cierrah, Madilynne, Kevin Jr., & Leighton Mary
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What is hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)?

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.

The heart's left side has the job of pumping oxygenated blood into the aorta, the large artery that carries blood to the body. In a child with HLHS:

The mitral valve, which separates the two left chambers of the heart, is too small or completely closed (atretic).
The left ventricle (the lower, pumping chamber) is very small.
The aortic valve, which separates the left ventricle and the aorta, is too small or completely closed (atretic).

Courtesy of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. http://www.chop.edu/service/cardiac-center/heart-conditions/hypoplastic-left-heart-syndrome-hlhs.html

What are the treatment options?

Surgical options include a three-step surgical procedure designed to create normal blood flow in and out of the heart, allowing the body to receive the oxygen-rich blood it needs.

Step 1: The Norwood operation. This surgery is usually performed within the first two weeks of life. It involves reconstructing the aorta and connecting it directly to the heart's lower right chamber (right ventricle). This allows the right ventricle to effectively pump blood to both the lungs and the body. After this operation, your baby's skin will still have a blue cast because oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood continue to mix within the heart. Once your baby successfully passes through this stage of treatment, the odds of survival increase.
Step 2: A bi-directional Glenn or hemi-Fontan procedure. This procedure is typically performed between 4 and 12 months of age. It reduces the work of the right ventricle by allowing it to pump blood mainly to the aorta and allowing most of the blood returning from the body to flow directly into the lungs. After this operation, all the blood returning from the upper body is sent to the lungs, so blood with more oxygen is pumped to the aorta to supply organs and tissues throughout the body.
Step 3: The Fontan procedure. This procedure is done between 18 months and 3 years of age. It allows the rest of the blood coming back from the body to go to the lungs. After this procedure, there's no mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood in the heart, and your child's skin will no longer look blue.

Another surgical option is a heart transplant, especially when the defects are complex. Babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome can be considered for a transplant. While awaiting a heart transplant, your baby may require medications until a donor heart becomes available.

Courtesy of the Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypoplastic-left-heart-syndrome/DS00744/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs