Over past few days, Hudson's blood oxygen levels continued to be highly volatile. The team originally thought it was a result of his body adjusting to change in his diet and/or closure of his ductus valve. However, the volatility continued and began trending lower to a point of immediate concern. After a few more heart echo exams, the team spotted a narrowing in the shunt that was installed with his open-heart surgery. They informed us that in order to fully assess issue and diagnose path forward, Hudson would have to undergo heart catheterization procedure this week. This procedure entails running a catheter up into the cardiovascular system via entry in a leg artery. The catheter is then coupled with live-motion x-ray technology to enable 3D imaging of heart, lungs and vascular connections. Additionally, if needed, the catheter can be equipped/adapted with certain tools to perform smaller, less invasive repairs. Ironically, Grandma Bev performed these procedures during her years of work at Christ Hospital's Catheterization lab!
After several days of mentally preparing for the procedure, today was the day for us to find out what was causing Hudson's heart issues. Prior to the procedure, the team provided us the range of outcomes that could result if they indeed confirm issues with his shunt: 1) small narrowing and no repair needed, 2) moderate narrowing issue and repair during catheter examination via balloon or stent insertion, or 3) extensive narrowing issue and fully repair via another BT shunt surgery. We were hopeful the procedure would lead to answers for our son and maintained confidence in the team to be able to repair if needed.
RESULTS ARE IN: The procedure was completed successfully today! The team was able to take several pictures of his anatomy and pressure measurements of his connections, which both confirmed some narrowing in the shunt. They decided to repair quickly via balloon (see below for generic picture from adult procedure) during catheterization and the results have been great! His saturation levels immediately improved as the balloon enabled easier bloodflow through shunt to pulmonary artery to lungs for oxygenation. Additionally, the doctor said the pictures they were able to take during procedure of rest of heart anatomy will significantly help in preparing for next open-heart surgery (Glenn). We couldn't be any happier and excited with the results!
Following surgery, Hudson was transferred back to CICU vs. step-down unit to ensure overnight monitoring. They are hopeful to be able to transfer back tomorrow or next day to begin process of recovery and dispatch. We are both very excited to see our little guy improve once again with end goal of being able to bring him home within the next week!
Thanks for everyone's continued prayers, thoughts and words of encouragement to keep our spirits high. We had some small hurdles to overcome this past week but our confidence remained high as a result of leaning on the amazing support system that has been provided to us by family and friends. Thank you all so much!
Speaking of support system, we have received several additional pictures of "Hair for Hudson" participants. Additionally, Jon's co-workers recently took a group picture to document their support...one co-worker even went out of his way to dress up in a homemade Superman costume to support our hero! Well done fellas!