Procedure Complete

The procedure is finished and Brycen is in a CVICU room. The procedure went well, but the problem wasn't fixed completely. Unfortunately, the recurrence of the coarctation wasn't caused by scar tissue. It appears that the coarctation is recurring at the point where a clamp was placed during his first surgery. Dr. Fontenot was able to open up the aorta most of the way and hopefully the area will stay expanded long term. But the area didn't open completely, and could be the cause for another surgery, and possible stint, down the road.

All in all, we're doing well. If you have called and we have not returned your call, we will do so within the next day or so. Brycen is in a room with a roommate, so we are restricted on cell phone use. We can't thank you enough for all of your support!

Progress

We just talked with the nurse technician and Brycen is doing well. The procedure involves going up the femoral artery into the aorta and taking a picture, then inserting the balloon, then going back and taking another picture. The first round of pictures showed that there was a larger difference in the gradient (blood pressure) on one side of the coarctation than the other, so the balloon was a little larger, but it has gone well so far. They are now in the process of withdrawing the balloon and will go back in and take the last set of pictures to make sure the area is expanded and to make sure that the gradient is equal throughout his aorta.

We should know more in about an hour. At that time the procedure will be finished and we will talk with Dr. Fontenot. We will update after we talk to him and get settled into our room.

Underway!

We met with Dr. Fontenot this morning and got to take Brycen back to the operating area. Brycen was hungry and fussy, but ended up falling asleep before we went back. We put him on the table and Dr Watkins gave him the laughing gas. Brycen was sound asleep and they are beginning the procedure.

We will be given hourly updates and the procedure should take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

We will post as soon as we know progress.

Off to Children's!

Brycen's procedure will be at 8:30 tomorrow morning. It is expected to take about 2 hours. We will post on the blog as soon as we can and will start the text message tree as well. If you get a text please pass the word along.

This procedure is MUCH LESS threatening than his original surgery, but has been twice as hard to handle emotionally. We can't thank you all enough for all of your prayers and support. You have been wonderful to us and we can't wait to share God's good news tomorrow!

Procedure Date Set

Brycen will have his procedure at Children's on Thursday, October 9. If all goes as planned he will be in ACH overnight and then sore and cranky for a few days after that.

Children's Check-Up #2

We had to go back to Children's today for Brycen's second check-up since his surgery. Unfortunately, we didn't get the news we were expecting today. The visit today included an echo (ultrasound) of Brycen's heart and it showed that there is recurrence of coarctation in his aorta.

What appears to be happening is that the patch that was put in during surgery is healing, but is forming too much scar tissue around the suture. The scar tissue is now causing blockage/narrowing in the aorta. This is a very common side effect from the type of surgery that Brycen had. For the problem to be fixed, Brycen will have to have a balloon procedure (we hoped for this the first time, remember) in which they will insert a long tube through his leg and that will go up to his heart. Once they find the narrow spot they will inflate the balloon and expand the area. The procedure will take about an hour and Brycen will be kept over night at the hospital for monitoring.

The good news out of this visit is that once again they caught the problem early. It is NOT life threatening at this time, but if let go, it would be. The scar tissue isn't an immediate threat to the blood flow, as was the PDA valve closing when the problem was first discovered. In fact, Dr. Fontenot wants to actually wait for another month before doing the procedure so that the patch can scar even more and become even stronger. That will also lessen the chance of having to repeat this procedure in the future.

Not the news we were wanting to hear, but we are so thankful the problem has been found again. We are so thankful for Dr. Fontenot and the staff at Children's, if not for them we wouldn't have this little guy.

We will keep you posted on the situation and let you know when they schedule the procedure. Brycen already can't wait to go back and kick butt again!!

Yum!

I like carrots!!

I can't wait until I can feed myself! I try now but it doesn't work very well.