Our Heart Hero, Oliver!

During Elizabeth's 30th week of pregnancy, she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and referred to Maternal-Fetal Medicine for Level 2 ultra sounds to track our baby boy's progress. During a Level 2 ultrasound, we were told that our baby had a hole in his heart. We were sent to Amplatz Children's Hospital for a fetal echo that confirmed there was a moderate VSD, but the cardiologist was hopeful that the hole would close on its own. As a precaution, the NICU team was available during the delivery and an echocardiogram was scheduled before Oliver was 24 hours old in order to get more accurate images of his heart.  

On August 25 at 5:04am Oliver Edward Hertzfeld was born weighing 6lbs 11oz. As the NICU team was assessing Oliver, my doctor announced, "He is perfect!" We spent 24 carefree hours with Oliver before his echocardiogram. Immediately after his echo, Oliver was transferred by ambulance to Amplatz Children's Hospital and diagnosed with the following congenital heart defects.  

Interrupted Aortic Arch (Type A) 
A healthy heart has five different branches from the aorta that carry oxygen rich blood to the body. Oliver was missing the connection to carry blood to the lower half of his body. This is a very rare heart defect that only effects 3 in 1,000,000 babies. 

Aortic Stenosis 
Because Oliver developed only four of the five branches of the aorta, the main branch of the aorta was very narrow.  

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
There is a small hole in the right atrium, but the cardiologists believe that this will close on it's own. 

Ventrical Septal Defect (VSD) 
Oliver had a large hole between the right and left ventricle.  

During Oliver's first open heart surgery when he was 11 days old, Dr. St Louis repaired his aorta and closed his VSD. The surgery was complicated by complete heart block, paralyzed diaphragm, and vocal cord paralysis. Two weeks later Oliver had a pacemaker implanted to keep his heart beating. He also developed Pyloric Stenosis (unrelated to his heart issues), which was repaired when he was five weeks old.  

On May 15, 2013, Oliver had his third open heart surgery to repair the narrowing in his aorta which was caused by the initial repair of the Interrupted Aortic Arch. During this procedure he also had new pacer wires attached to his heart in preparation for his next pacemaker surgery. The surgery was successful and his recovery went even better than expected. 

Oliver has developed additional obstructions in his aorta that will need to be repaired. We anticipate that Oliver's next open heart surgery will take place when he is about three years old. During this procedure, Dr. St Louis will remove the obstructions and repair the aorta and implant Oliver's new pacemaker.  

Ollie will have many surgeries throughout his life to keep his heart beating strong, but the doctors expect him to live a full life with minimal limitations. Oliver is a strong, brave, beautiful boy and we are so thankful for every moment we share with him. Thank you to everyone that has kept Oliver in your prayers and supported our little family throughout this journey.