This is the best picture I could find explaining the surgery Leighton will have tomorrow. Ignore the green #3 and #4 :: we're just focusing on the green #1 and #2.
The superior vena cava is removed from the heart and connected end-to-side to the right pulmonary artery, which is in continuity with the left pulmonary artery. The main pulmonary artery will be separated from the heart and oversewn.
#1. The lower section of the pulmonary artery (this is where her PA band was placed in November) that should carry oxygen-poor blood into the heart is removed.
#2. Oxygen-poor blood coming back from the top half of the body is diverted directly into the lungs instead of flowing back into the heart before going to the lungs
[I'm pretty sure I could rock Anatomy class now :: at least the heart section ... ]
Leighton had a big day of pre-op yesterday. We were at the hospital for over 10 hours and the hotel pillow never felt so good when we finally got done. One of the big procedures she had was heart catheterization. She did so well. We used this procedure mainly used to check pressure levels and o2 saturation levels & get a better picture of her heart. She also had a sedated echo. She did amazing thru the entire procedure. Her results basically confirmed things we already knew. Dr. Gray said as great as everything looked -- it was time for the next step (meaning her Glenn).
Afterwards recovering :: all smiles from this girl :: she's the best patient ever!
We check into the hospital at 6AM tomorrow morning ... thank you everyone so much for all the love, support and prayers. It means so much. We will try and keep you posted as soon as we know more!
1 nice notes:
lots of love and prayers coming your way!
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