Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Monday night's Sonne report

I know you guys are curious and we feel blessed for all the support. Here are a few more details.

There were two complications in Sonne's heart that could only be discovered once the operation had begun.  One was that her mitral valve was considerably less well genetically developed than expected.  The other was a coronary artery being in the wrong place.  The coronary artery complicated one of the repairs, but ultimately didn't prevent it.  All of the repairs except the mitral valve were accomplished.

Repair of the mitral valve proved difficult, and ultimately, impossible.  So a mechanical valve was inserted.  It was improvised for her and far too large. Its success was in doubt, but it is currently holding.  This was the longest, most difficult, most dangerous part of the surgery.

The intent at the end of the surgery was to take her off the heart lung machine and get her heart fully functioning again with blood flow.  That could not be done due to the extreme amount of stress her heart experienced.  

She is in the CardioThoracic ICU (CTICU) dependent on several machines, including ECMO (a type of heart lung machine) and a pacemaker.  She will stay on this stuff for a few days and we hope her heart will recover enough to take over.  

I must be honest. This could go either way.  Time will tell.

We'll continue to update when possible, as we're believers in blogging and social media. It helps keep us going.

Thanks to everyone for your love.  We're hugely grateful. 

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