Heart Surgery

Monday afternoon, Ady is having surgery to close the PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus). PDA is a heart problem that occurs soon after birth in some new borns. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart. In Ady, however, the ductus arteriosus remained open (patent). This opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the pulmonary artery. This can put strain on the heart and increase blood pressure in the lung arteries. The surgeons will either do what they call a PDA ligation, which closes the PDA with stiches, or put a metal clamp around it. This is often times a very simple and routine procedure, but with Ady's clotting issues it becomes a major surgery. If her blood does not clot as well as they would like, then they will put a tube in her chest cavity to drain the leakage. They think there is a possibility that with improved blood flow, her clotting issues may correct itself. At the very least, she will get the tube removed from her throat and hopefully start feeding her. Pray that this surgery goes as smooth as possible.