Lisa writes that her 5-year-old son, Gage, recently had a heart catheterization after doctors detected that the right side of his heart was enlarged. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return and will require heart surgery next month. She reports that the doctor said the procedure must be done soon or his [...]
Every now and then I run across a remarkable congenital heart defects blog. Check out Living for Eden. This blog tells the story of Paul Cardall, an award-winning pianist, who was born with severe congenital heart defects (Large ASD, L-Tranposed AO, Single Ventricle, Single A-V Valve, Pulmonary Atresia).
Despite a variety of surgeries during his [...]
It is with a heavy heart that I post this letter from Sylvie Stephens, mother of Sydney. I am inspired by her strength and faith.
Never give up faith. Never.
On Monday, the doctors indicated that Sydney is having multiple organ/system failures. It breaks my heart to tell you all that she will not ultimately survive. There [...]
Heart defects are the most common and deadly of all birth defects.
Approximately 36,000 babies are born each year with a congenital heart defect.
In 1950, a child born with a congenital heart defect had only a 20% chance of survival. Today, survival rates have increased to 90%.
Survivors of successful childhood intervention face life-long risks, including heart [...]
Continue reading about Congenital Heart Defects – Quick Facts
Scimitar Syndrome is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by Partial (PAPVR) or Total (TAPVR) Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return. The syndrome gets its name from the curved shape formed by the pulmonary vein. On a chest radiograph, the vein is said to look like a scimitar, a curved sword originating in the Middle East.
The abnormal [...]
