Darren and Megan write:

Our son will be needing the Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return surgery along with the ASD [atrial septal defect].  His name is Bradford and we are trying to figure out when it’s best to do it. Some doctors say soon, some say wait til he is at least 3.  He is currently 19 months old.  Obviously, we want to do what’s in his best interest.

Please pray for Bradford and that we are guided by God and remain confident and strong in him during these hard times.

Thank you. Your Website has made me confident that Bradford will get through it fine.

Last night, my Nathan asked if we could pray for the children on his website.  I agreed, pulled up the list, and prayed aloud as he bowed his head.  I thought we were finished, but he said, “Okay, now it’s my turn.”  He proceeded to thank God for successfully getting him through “venous return surgery” and asked God to get the other children through, too.  And he repeated my request to comfort the families.  I look forward to hearing his prayer for Bradford tonight.

Gore HELEX Septal Occluder

For Treatment of Atrial Septal Defects

Sometimes called a “hole” in the heart, Atrial Septal Defects make up 30% to 40% of all congenital heart defects.  An abnormal hole between the two upper chambers of the heart, allows an excessive amount of oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left side of the heart to the right, where it is prematurely pumped back into the lungs.   This forces the right side of the heart and lungs to work harder to compensate for this inefficiency.

Untreated, an ASD can cause serious problems as the heart may enlarge or weaken, putting patients at risk for atrial fibulation, hypertension, heart failure, or stroke.  Although some ASDs are diagnosed in adulthood, most are discovered in the pediatric patient and treated before becoming problematic.

One of the more recent devices approved for treatment of ASD is the Gore HELEX Septal Occluder.  It’s unique design uses a biocompatible material that allows tissue to incorporate the device, effectively sealing the defect.  The delivery system involves implantation through a flexible catheter, a minimally invasive procedure that restores proper heart function without open heart surgery.

After an ASD is effectively closed, patients rarely have problems.  Benefits of the Gore HELEX Septal Occluder include shorter hospital stays, less scarring, and quicker recovery.  Regular checkups with a cardiologist will ensure the long-term success of this procedure.