Balloon Valvuloplasty

[sunflower]

Anyone have any experience with this procedure especially for a baby? Looking for some info that I might not come across on line.. Thanks

[sunflower]

~bump~ TIA

[lisa8439]

I don't have any information personally, but a friend of mine had a baby that was born with heart problems - he's had that procedure done at Children's hospital in DC and it was a success. He had to have surgery as soon as he was born and has had to go back to Childrens a few times for other procedures, but he is a happy, well adjusted 2 year old. I know it was very scary for them each time - but she has had nothing but wonderful things to say about the cardiologist dept. at Childrens.

[sunflower]

Originally Posted by lisa8439

I don't have any information personally, but a friend of mine had a baby that was born with heart problems - he's had that procedure done at Children's hospital in DC and it was a success. He had to have surgery as soon as he was born and has had to go back to Childrens a few times for other procedures, but he is a happy, well adjusted 2 year old. I know it was very scary for them each time - but she has had nothing but wonderful things to say about the cardiologist dept. at Childrens.

That's good to hear.. That's where it will take place.. I know they're the best when it comes to children and infants...

[lisa8439]

Originally Posted by sunflower

That's good to hear.. That's where it will take place.. I know they're the best when it comes to children and infants...

My friend always had nothing but good things to say about the doctors, staff, etc. - I know the last time he had to have it done, they actually 'over' inflated the balloon (on purpose) to 'tear' the valve a little... it's a controversial thing apparently but he had the procedure done a few times yet the pressure kept going up, so they wanted to try that - I don't think he's had to go back since, so it worked great... it does sound like they are very well informed, keep up on the 'latest' research, and make the best decision based on your child and their condition.

Children's is the only place I would take my kids if something were to happen and they required specialized care... so I think you are in good hands. I'm sure it must be scary though - my friend dealt with it much better than I think I would have, she seemed very confident with the hospital and his doctors.

[sunflower]

We hope that going through the groin will work. If not they will have to cut him open and do it.... I've been searching for a forum/group to read about this more... Glad to hear he is doing so good!

[belvak (Premo)]

Originally Posted by sunflower

We hope that going through the groin will work. If not they will have to cut him open and do it.... I've been searching for a forum/group to read about this more... Glad to hear he is doing so good!

Nothing to add, just wanted to offer a and let you know you and your son will be in my thoughts.

[lisa8439]

Originally Posted by sunflower

We hope that going through the groin will work. If not they will have to cut him open and do it.... I've been searching for a forum/group to read about this more... Glad to hear he is doing so good!

I will talk to my friend this weekend and see if there is an online forum that you could check out... I'm pretty sure she was online a LOT and had a few places that she went to... he had to have surgery almost immediately after birth, so she's been dealing with it for a while. I'll PM you when I talk to her and let you know what online sites/forums helped her out. Hopefully I'll talk with her today, if not tomorrow...

The groin didn't work for her baby - they did have to cut him open, but it isn't *as bad* as it sounds... his scar isn't that bad... and it is healing well, kids heal up really quickly. He actually had to have several procedures, and I'm pretty sure they had to go in through the chest for all of them. And he may have to have some in the future - he'll be 2 soon and he's running around, into everything, and trying to talk as hard as he can... He was a preemie (born around 32 weeks) due in part to the health problems, so he is developmentally 'behind' for his birth age - but for his adjusted age, he is right on track, even with the heart problems.


You said you are going to Childrens - he'll be in good hands, and in my prayers

[morningbell (Premo)]

Prayers for the baby boy

[morningbell (Premo)]

I JUST looked it up. My son was diagnosed with an SVT while in utero, it apparently runs in my family. They monitored him for a while until age 8, he out grew it. The Balloon Valvuloplasty was something they were considering for my son if the SVT didn't correct itself.