Wednesday, February 8th
We just talked to Dr. Bove, and this is what he had to say:
The surgery will be tomorrow, and it will start sometime around 9 or 10 in the morning. This will be his only case, as this procedure will take several hours.
He has decided to do the Rastelli Procedure. As you may recall, he is going to insert a conduit from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, patch the hole between his left and right ventricle, and remove his B-T shunt.
Dr. Bove is going to use a cow's jugular vein for the conduit. This is a new type of conduit that Michigan started to use... it has been used in the U.K. with fabulous results. This conduit has not been approved by the FDA yet... it is currently part of a study. Bove said that he has used it on around 80 patients thus far, and all seem to be doing very well with it. This conduit will have to be replaced in about 3 years.
I told Dr. Bove that one of my biggest conerns about Will's surgery was him having another brain bleed or stroke. I asked him what his thoughts were, and it kind of surprised me when he said that he didn't anticipate that it would be a problem. He said that this procedure does not require Will to be in circulatory arrest like his first surgery, the Norwood. He said that the Rastelli will not be as hard on his brain, and he thinks Will is healthier (and bigger) than he was for his Norwood.
Overall, Bove was optimistic about Will's procedure. This totally blew us away. Obviously, there are no guarantees, and disaster is only a breath away.
These are some of the possible complications:
1. (low-risk) the conduit isn't big enough and blood is blocked from getting through
2. (higher-risk) Will bleeds out during the surgery
3. Infection after the procedure due to his trach.
(Will's chest may have to be left open after the procedure, either because the pressures inside his chest are too high, or the placement of the conduit makes it too risky. If it is left open for a few days, it is quite possible with the trach being so close to the incision that germs get in the chest, causing an infection.)
4. stroke or brain bleed
5. nerve damage
6. death
The first 24 hours after surgery will be the most telling of how successful the procedure is. What we can't wait to see is a pink baby! He will actually have oxygen saturations in the upper 90's to 100!! No more blue/cold hands and feet!
The surgery will be tomorrow, and it will start sometime around 9 or 10 in the morning. This will be his only case, as this procedure will take several hours.
He has decided to do the Rastelli Procedure. As you may recall, he is going to insert a conduit from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, patch the hole between his left and right ventricle, and remove his B-T shunt.
Dr. Bove is going to use a cow's jugular vein for the conduit. This is a new type of conduit that Michigan started to use... it has been used in the U.K. with fabulous results. This conduit has not been approved by the FDA yet... it is currently part of a study. Bove said that he has used it on around 80 patients thus far, and all seem to be doing very well with it. This conduit will have to be replaced in about 3 years.
I told Dr. Bove that one of my biggest conerns about Will's surgery was him having another brain bleed or stroke. I asked him what his thoughts were, and it kind of surprised me when he said that he didn't anticipate that it would be a problem. He said that this procedure does not require Will to be in circulatory arrest like his first surgery, the Norwood. He said that the Rastelli will not be as hard on his brain, and he thinks Will is healthier (and bigger) than he was for his Norwood.
Overall, Bove was optimistic about Will's procedure. This totally blew us away. Obviously, there are no guarantees, and disaster is only a breath away.
These are some of the possible complications:
1. (low-risk) the conduit isn't big enough and blood is blocked from getting through
2. (higher-risk) Will bleeds out during the surgery
3. Infection after the procedure due to his trach.
(Will's chest may have to be left open after the procedure, either because the pressures inside his chest are too high, or the placement of the conduit makes it too risky. If it is left open for a few days, it is quite possible with the trach being so close to the incision that germs get in the chest, causing an infection.)
4. stroke or brain bleed
5. nerve damage
6. death
The first 24 hours after surgery will be the most telling of how successful the procedure is. What we can't wait to see is a pink baby! He will actually have oxygen saturations in the upper 90's to 100!! No more blue/cold hands and feet!
posted by Stephanie Burns @ 12:12 PM
8 Comments:
At 2:25 PM,
Anonymous said…
Thank you for sharing the news.
Please know HPC is praying for all involved tomorrow
Sue
At 4:07 PM,
Anonymous said…
Stella misses her Mommy and Daddy and is eager for your quick return… she hugs my leg as I leave - peculiar behavior for a kitty!
You are in our thoughts and prayers as Will's surgery quickly approaches. What a blessing to have a game plan and a doctor with a positive outlook. Please know that we think of you often and look forward to seeing you back home soon. Try and get some rest tonight!
At 4:46 PM,
Anonymous said…
Luther Welch, one of the Founders & First Elders of The Church of Christ at White Station said the sweetest prayer at Church this afternoon for Will, Stephanie & Josn and the Doctors. Everyone present said AMEN when he finishen. It was really moving!
Love you three so much...and want you know that White Station is praying real hard for Will too !!
Love and Kisses,
GGD and GGM Perdue
At 4:51 PM,
Anonymous said…
We will be praying for you Will. Stay strong and show them your stuff.
Luke and his mommy
At 6:41 PM,
Anonymous said…
I will especially be praying for everyone tomorrow. Put your hope and trust in the good Lord and everything will be successful for everyone. May God bless you and everyone around you at this very trying time in your life.
At 7:06 PM,
Anonymous said…
Dear Stephanie & Josh,
We are praying for wisdom of Dr. Bove and his energy to get through
the lengthy surgery. We pray for
your strength, as well, as we know
it will be a long day. Just know
we love you all and are anxiously
awaiting news of the surgery. We thank God for your strength & faith
which will carry you through all things. Sending our love, hugs, and prayers, Gina & Pops
At 7:41 PM,
Anonymous said…
Stephanie & Josh - We will pray hard for all of you tonight and tomorrow. We will also pray for Dr. Bove as he works on your precious angel. God will always be there for you, especially tomorrow! Take care of yourselves - I admire both of you even though we've never met. God Bless and good night.
At 9:31 PM,
Anonymous said…
You three are in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow! (Looking forward to a Pink Will for Valentines day!)
Post a Comment
<< Home