19 March 2012

Ich bin ein Berliner

It's official . . . Eddie will be rolling into the OR tomorrow morning around 7:30 for open heart surgery. While we wish he were getting his new heart tomorrow, we are encouraged that our doctors feel that the Berlin heart is our best option at this stage and that Eddie is stable enough to undergo this significant procedure.

In summary, during surgery Dr. Cohen will 1) remove the atrial stent placed on 3/6, 2) close the resulting hole in the atrial septum, and then 3) attach the LVAD/Berlin heart. We are optimistic we can avoid a bi-VAD scenario where both sides of his heart would need to be connected. All of the clinical research clearly demonstrates that LVAD success rates are much higher than bi-VAD, so our fingers are crossed. Dr. Cohen will make the final decision either while Eddie is on the operating table or, more likely, after he's had a few days on the LVAD. Some children don't respond well to the LVAD at first, but then recover good function after a few days and thus avoid an unnecessary RVAD. For more information on LVADs and the Berlin heart, see my earlier posts here and here . . . or Bing it!

More to follow!

16 comments:

  1. WE LOVE EDDIE< Each time we see that face on the blog and remember the last skype call with the Thomas Train we are so hopeful that all will continue for his good. So grateful to know that there are very smart and hard working Drs & staff doing all that can be done to ensure him a great life. We pray for him and You and look forward to our being there to see you all. Thank You John for this update.

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  2. We hope and pray everything goes well tomorrow. We love you all. Good luck.

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  3. Wow Eddie, what a trooper! You are a super boy to us!! We love you and send you as much strength as we can. We love you!
    ~Love~ the Weston Powell's

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  4. Sending love and prayers to all of you - Howard & Sharon Howell

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  5. Loving thoughts to all of you tomorrow. John, thank you for your insightful comments in Sunday School yesterday. We are keeping valiant Eddie in our prayers. Love the Gessels

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  6. Along with everyone else we pray that every detail of Eddie's care and keeping fall exactly into place. Praying for you and the littles at home, as well.

    -Cullimores

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  7. Thinking of you all everyday. Praying that all will go well tomorrow for eddie! Love you! Big hugs and kisses from aunt Whitney!!

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  8. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

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  9. praying praying praying. Much love. The Edwards

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  10. You are in our thoughts and prayers tonight, as ever. Tore and Tiffany.

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  11. Your family is constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We love your family and I am so grateful to have been Eddies teacher last year. He is such a sweet amazing little guy!
    Love, Carmen, Michael and family

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  12. Oh my! We will be thinking of you! (and checking for the update to see how it goes. Sending our love! -Cameron & Courtney

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  13. Will be praying for Eddie all morning. And for his mom and dad as you wait for him to come out of surgery. And for the doctors...Many, many prayers today. Love you guys!

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  14. Thinking of you. Praying.

    Nadiya, Michael, Aaliyah, Noah

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  15. We Love You EDDIE & FAMILY! Our Prayers are with YOU ALL...

    "Grandma & Grandpa D"

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