Meeting the Surgeon
Bradley and I met with Dr. Mark Plunkett and his nurse Korinne Callihan at UK yesterday.
We were both very impressed with Dr. Plunkett, he was very kind and he thoroughly explained the initial open heart surgery the (Norwood procedure) as well as the 2nd (Glenn) and 3rd (Fontan) surgery.
Here are the some of the Questions and answers we asked.
Q1. How soon after Colt’s born will he go in for Surgery?
A1. Colt will have surgery within his first week.
Q.2. What will happen as soon as he is born?
A2. We will only get to see him for a few minutes before he is taken to the NICU, once there they will administer a drug called prostaglandin through a catheter that will be placed in the umbilical blood vessel this will prevent the ductus arteriosus from closing. He will be monitored and have several tests, like another echo etc. Once he is ready they will take him into surgery,
Q3. How long does the reconstructive surgery take once he is on the Heart – Bypass machine
A3. Dr. Plunkett is able to complete the surgery in 30 - 35 minutes
Q4. How long have you been performing this surgical procedure?
A4. For about 15 years.
Q5. How many patients have not made through surgery or have passed away after surgery?
A5. About 10 - 15 % have not made it through due to various complications.
Bradley and I met with Dr. Mark Plunkett and his nurse Korinne Callihan at UK yesterday.
We were both very impressed with Dr. Plunkett, he was very kind and he thoroughly explained the initial open heart surgery the (Norwood procedure) as well as the 2nd (Glenn) and 3rd (Fontan) surgery.
Here are the some of the Questions and answers we asked.
Q1. How soon after Colt’s born will he go in for Surgery?
A1. Colt will have surgery within his first week.
Q.2. What will happen as soon as he is born?
A2. We will only get to see him for a few minutes before he is taken to the NICU, once there they will administer a drug called prostaglandin through a catheter that will be placed in the umbilical blood vessel this will prevent the ductus arteriosus from closing. He will be monitored and have several tests, like another echo etc. Once he is ready they will take him into surgery,
Q3. How long does the reconstructive surgery take once he is on the Heart – Bypass machine
A3. Dr. Plunkett is able to complete the surgery in 30 - 35 minutes
Q4. How long have you been performing this surgical procedure?
A4. For about 15 years.
Q5. How many patients have not made through surgery or have passed away after surgery?
A5. About 10 - 15 % have not made it through due to various complications.
Q6. What are some of the complications?
A6. Ask with any open heart surgery there are many different complications that can occur, the patient not being able to be taken off the heart lung bypass machine, kidney failure, a bleed in the brain, problems with the patient not responding the the redirection of the blood flood with the initial reconstruction of the heart.
Q7. How old is the longest living patient to have survived all 3 procedures?
A7. So far the oldest living patient to undergo all three procedures is 38 years old and he this person is still alive.
Q7. How old is the longest living patient to have survived all 3 procedures?
A7. So far the oldest living patient to undergo all three procedures is 38 years old and he this person is still alive.
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I know in my heart that our little boy is a fighter and a survivor and through god all things are possible to those who believe.
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