Thursday, May 6, 2010

Surgery day update

We had updates every hour today.  Dr. Hirsch, the surgeon, came out around 1:30 and told us everything went extremely well.  He came off the heart/lung machine really well, so as of right now he doesn't need the ECMO machine, which basically is a mobile heart/lung machine that assist him but like many things, it comes with it's own risks.

What is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important treatment for infants and children with cardiorespiratory failure.
ECMO is the use of an artificial lung (membrane) located outside the body (extracorporeal), that puts oxygen into the blood and then carries this blood to the body tissues (oxygenation).
It is a modified form of heart-lung bypass and is used for a longer period than the machines used in the operating room during open-heart surgery..
(Lets pray he doesn't come to need this machine)

All of the repairs have been made.  More good news... the surgeon was confident enough to close the chest after surgery. Sometimes they need to leave the chest open to allow swelling after such a large procedure on such a little guy, with the interrupted aortic arch repair it's extremely common for the chest to be left open.  They cover the opening with gortex. The opening is then closed after swelling has gone down, but this leaves the risk of infection great.  SOOOOOO FANTASTIC NEWS, HIS IS CLOSED!!!

I was very shocked to see him after in recovery. My little guy looks so different than he did this morning.  The medical staff does their best to prepare you for what you will see but there is nothing to prepare you for this.

His heart rate is up and down, that's common too. They want his temperature to stay on the cool side so his heart doesn't work to hard.  Nurse Lisa placed bags of ice under both arms, atop his head and in his diaper.  (poor guy), All of that brought his body temp down quickly.  Next will be medicine but like the surgeon said, if all he has is this than that is wonderful.

More to come.

Surgery Day

We are in the ICU waiting to hear how Gavin is doing with the surgery. Right now its 10:20am and we should hear something by 11.


Justin and I arrived at the hospital at 5:30am. We were both given the opportunity to hold him. I was so happy and soooooo nervous at the same time. It felt so amazing to hold my little guy. The grandparents were able to visit with Gavin, bedside while we were there. Usually, there is a limit of 2 people at a time. My father read a couple of bible verses and said a beautiful prayer over Justin, Gavin and myself.

I can't believe this day is finally here.