Heres some information about this next surgery. Bidirectional Glenn procedure: Redirecting oxygen-poor blood from the top of the body to the lungs. The shunt is taken out, which connected the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle. The superior vena cava, which carries blood returning from the upper body, is disconnected from the heart and instead redirected into the pulmonary arteries. The inferior vena cava, which carries blood returning from the lower body, continues to connect to the heart. Because of this increased blood flow to the upper body, hell come out with whats called Glenn Head because it causes headaches until hes used to the new pressure. During surgery, theyll also be making the pulmonary artery bigger by slicing it and adding martial to create a better flow. His now are very narrow and adding the PA Bands (1st surgery at 8 days old) didnt help. The cardiologist did make it clear that about 85% of all single ventricle patients have to have their pulmonary artery widened. Its not technically part of a Glenn procedure, but occurs so often that it should be. After this surgery, hell come out extubated with his chest and sternum closed. Hell also be awake (aware) of whats going on. He will have round the clock Tylenol and meds to control the pain, but nothing strong enough to knock him out. This will be very different from our other two weve experienced. Please pray for him (and all of us) to be calm and patient with the healing process. Itll be hard because hes not only used to being at home, but also being picked up and held at any time. Thank you Lord for all your abundant blessings weve endured and the ones to come. #sweetbabytucker
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:33:09 +0000
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