The Plan

We spoke with Dr. Erez, Dr. Golander and Professor Rein. Dr. Erez was unsure what to do, but ultimately felt that doing the BT shunt would be the best course of action. If he had done the Glenn, the growth of her pulmonary arteries would have remained on the same trajectory and she would have always remained with very small borderline pulmonary arteries. She would have struggled to maintain the pressures in her heart and in her head. 

By doing the BT shunt, it helps expand the pulmonary arteries, as well as her regular growth. We will wait until her pulmonary arteries are growing and at a good size, and then do the Glenn. There is no way to know exactly when the Glenn will be. It is all dependent on her growth. It will possibly be in a few months.  

Professor Rein added that at a cardiology conference a few weeks ago, they had showed that this was a better plan of action with better results. 

The BT shunt should keep her in a better place for the rest of interstage. 

The next 24 hours are critical. The BT shunt surgery holds more risk than the Glenn. 

They are hoping to extubate her tonight. She is doing very well for post heart surgery and they are pleased with all of her stats and tests thus far. They will wake her up in a few hours. 

There will be graphic pictures ahead, so please be aware. 

The PICU

Dr. Golander

Our AMAZING nurse, Ifat

Tehilla's room