Cath Update

October 27, 2009/Ryan

Okay, so I think there was typo in the earlier post. Ryan went back to the cath lab (not got back from) around 1 p.m. today. He returned to his room at 5 p.m.  Dr. K found a collateral (vein) that opened up from the left SVC (Superior Vena Cava, now connected to the pulmonary artery) and came down to a ‘big bag of worms’ (aka mess of veins) and then down to the IVC (Inferior Vena Cava). Dr. K coiled that off and immediately saw a rise in Ryan’s O2 saturations.  He then headed to the pulmonary arteries to look around and found them a bit narrow in the central section. If you imagine Ryan’s two superior vena cavas coming down like overall straps and connecting to the pulmonary arteries which branch across the chest in either direction. Now visualize the part in the middle between the two straps/connections – that is the part that was narrow. Sometimes this happens after a bilateral, bidirectional Glenn. Dr. K ballooned this part open so we hope this will also help get blood flow into the lungs. 

Mechanics-wise, Ryan’s lungs are functioning as they should except for the right lower lobe not opening properly. Dr. K was able to get a moving picture of the right side of Ryan’s diaphragm and diagnosed it as paralyzed instead of weak. What this means is that when the lungs inflate and the left side of the diaphragm moves down to accommodate the inhale (as it should), the right side moves up into the space where the lung should be thus crowding the lung. (think see-saw, except the left side doesn’t go up on the exhale, it just goes back into place)  
I expect the team will talk to us about plicating the diaphragm to help ease the space issue on the right lung. I will post about what this means another day. For now, just know that Ryan is out of the cath, is stable (although is having some arrhythmia issues most likely due to today’s procedure and expected to resolve itself over the next 12-24 hours), and recovering. 
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. 
Leighann/10 Comments/0 Likes/Ryan
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Comments (10)

  • Abi / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    Glad to hear that Ryan is stable. I think I might need a few pictures to really understand what you’re talking about. But, since I don’t understand, I’ll just keep on praying.

  • maryanne / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    It’s good to hear Ryan is stable and that the cath went okay.

    Keeping you in our prayers…

  • Linda / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    I am glad that the doctors are finding out some things and that they are trying to figure it all out. I am glad that he is stable and I will pray that things will settle down with his heart rythym soon.

    I will just keep praying and seeking God on your behalf,…lifting little Ryan’s needs before Him.

    Rest in Him tonight sweet Leighann.
    You are all covered and blanketed in prayers.

    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

  • Faith M. / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    I’m so glad they did a cath and were able to block the extra vessels. I will be praying for a speedy recovery and resolution of arryhthmia issues. I’m also praying for you and the girls as you wait out these next 2 weeks with such a big change in your “routine”. I am as always amazed with your little man and all that God has brought him through. He’s one strong boy and we serve an even stronger God.
    Sending lots of prayers and big hugs.

  • MotherGoose518 / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    Bless your hearts!!! Praying!

  • Julie / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    I’m so glad Ryan’s cath went well and that the doctors saw an immediate rise in Ryan’s O2 sats. Praying for continued healing.
    -Julie

  • AJ / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    Continued prayers for Ryan. ANd for all of you.

  • Lisa / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    Praying for Ryan’s continued healing and the wisdom of the doctors be guided by the Lord.

  • ALISHA EDMONDS / October 28, 2009 / Reply

    I’m glad things are going ok with Ryan and that he is stable. Keep us updated on what the docs decide to do. BEST WISHES AND GLOD BLESS!!

    http://www.ryanchd.blogspot.com

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