Monday, February 16, 2009

NEWS FROM DALLAS: Will there be OPEN HEART SURGERY?

A right heart catheterization was completed at 12 pm CST Monday, 16 Feb 2009 by Dr. John Warner http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/findfac/professional/0,,17742,00.html.

Good news! Decision rendered by Dr. Ring, surgeon http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/findfac/professional/0,,16089,00.html , is that open heart surgery is a go for Tuesday 17 Feb 2009.

3 primary indicators are all positive from the right heart catheterization, which is an invasive procedure to closely evaluate the pressures in the heart. A catheter was routed through Jennifer's femoral vein (in her right leg) into her right atrium, right ventrical, and pulmonary artery.

1). The first, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), has improved from 8.1 three months ago to 6.7. Measured in dynes, PVR is a term used to define the resistance to flow that must be overcome from the vasculature of the lungs.

2). Secondly, pulmonary artery pressure, a measurement of blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, has improved from 64 initially, to the 50s, and now resides in the 30s.

3). Third, the degree of "left-to-right" shunting. Jennifer has a hole in her heart, defined specifically as an atrial septal defect (ASD). The shunting can be defined by the volume of blood that flows through it for a period of time. In Jennifer's case, the volume has decreased from 4 liters to 2.5, representative of half the total that should be pumped from her heart to vascular system.

While the shunting is not ideal, it has both gone down and is an indicator of what could result during the recovery period. Meaning, significant progress quickly is possible after the surgery, given how much the shunt is being utilized.

Surgery is scheduled for 7 am. Jennifer will be wheeled down to the Operating Room (OR) at 6 am for preparations.

During the 3-4 hours, Jennifer's heart will be momentarily stopped. She will remain stable through the use of a heart-lung machine. During that time, a simultaneous repair will be made to close the hole in her heart and "baffle" her pulmonary vein.

One of Jennifer's pulmonary veins, typically architected to deliver oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left side of the heart, is currently "recycling" blood back into the right side of the heart. This creates a "loop within a loop."

The surgery will redesign this vein to deliver oxygenated blood, alongside the other pulmonary veins, to the left side of the heart.

Friends and family remain positive, highly optimistic, and confident. Despite the seriousness of the situation, we are all managing to share a few laughs.

13 comments:

Amanda Quintana-Bowles said...

The Quintana & Bowles families are thinking about you and sending positive energy to you and your family, Jenn! <3

cindy said...

Hi Jenn,
We just want to tell that you, Chris and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. It sounds like your in good hands and know things will work out.
Love,
Cindy and Troy

Unknown said...

Jenn,
Though we have never met, I have known about you through Chris, who has always adored you. You have been such an inspiration to him. I wish you the best tomorrow as you enter surgery and will include you both in my prayers. I hope that this surgery gives you the opportunity for a healthy and long life together. I look forward to meeting you. My prayers are with you tomorrow.
My Best,
Colleen Shaw

Cristina Pineda said...

alright jenn! you have made it this far. it will be 2 in the AM here when they are wheeling you in...i will see you in my dreams ;)
here's to a speedy recovery. lots of love to you jenn. xo

Seth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Seth said...

I was waiting to hear from you. Glad they are getting you in there and oxygen will be flowing!
hope the surgery is a success and you heal to full breaths and strong heart beats. sending positive vibes
- s

Anonymous said...

I love you Jenn! You're positive attitude has reflected over to me and now I am extra positive for you! I'm thinking of you and will see you very soon.

Sarah

Annie said...

Hi Jenn,
It's early Tues morning and your surgery is most likely underway. I'm so happy and optimistic that the doctors will repair your heart today. You and Chris and your family are in my constant thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
Annie, John, Cameron and Avery

con safo said...

Wonderful news!

Unknown said...

I heard the surgery went well! I'm so happy for you, Jenn. We love you so much! Just wondering..how did they repair the septal defect and where do they reconnect that one pulmonary vein--back to the inputs of the other three veins? I'm a little fuzzy on if all four pulmonary veins go to the same chamber?

Amanda Quintana-Bowles said...

Saw Tara's status update on Facebook....I'm so glad to hear the surgery went well and you are on to recovery!! Big BIG hugs to you, hon!!
<3 <3

Annette said...

So glad to hear the procedure went well! We missed you in yoga tonight; thinking of you often. Speedy recovery my friend. Write again when you can.
Much love,
Annette
PS God Bless those doctors and nurses and all you are caring for you now...

Nicole said...

Glad to hear everything is going well so far!. We will keep you in our thoughts and pray for a safe and speedy recovery!. Love Ross, Nicole, Olivia Jimenez