Ava's heart surgery is scheduled!

[mk162]

We got a call from the doctor's down at Emory/Children's Healthcare and we are going in on December 6th for Ava's heart surgery.  It seems surreal that there is now a date, we are happy and nervous all at the same time.

The device being implanted is a Gore Septal Occluder.  We have a choice of 2 sizes since her hole is really at the upper limit of what the largest approved device can handle.  They are going to try that one first and if the doctor doesn't like the fit, he will implant a nearly identical device that is not approved but cleared for clinical trials.  The new device is simply a larger version and it has been used in Europe for around 5 years.  Here is a video of how it works...

GORE Septal Occluder - MDEA 2013 Best-In-Show AND Gold Winner

the nice thing about these devices is they go up through the femoral artery and she should leave the hospital the next day.  If the larger of the 2 devices doesn't work, she will need open heart surgery.

I will be glad to have this all behind us...in the meantime, it is her birthday today and I am picking her up from school/daycare and taking her out to lunch.  We'll probably go for sushi...yes, my 4 year old loves sushi.

[whitewater]

Dude...tell your daughter happy birthday!  Good luck and my family and i will send the good vibes your way!

[alan802]

Thoughts and prayers for sure Brad.  It's going to be all good.

[balloonguy]

My family will pray that all goes well.
Next yearI would like to print some balloons for her.
Just give me a heads up.
Good luck.
Matt

[TCT]

Man I am speechless. We just went through some pretty scary stuff with our son, seems like the kids take it better than the parents. Good luck and you guys will be in my thoughts, I wouldn't wish a kid in the hospital on anyone!

Sushi?! She is braver than I am already!

[screenprintguy]

Praying for Ava, and a guiding hand on the doctors. Stay strong brother!

[Denis Kolar]

Tell her Happy birthday and a wish for MANY, MANY MORE

[3Deep]

Brad our prayers are with you and your family, my son will have knee surgery this month also,  your little girl will be fine, you just start saving for that big wedding one day.

Darryl

[Homer]

good vibes and thoughts for little ava...you and the fam too, .keep us updated, hospitals suck but that's the best thing for her....

happy b day to the little chicky too.

[GraphicDisorder]

Best wishes!

[Parker 1]

My mother had this procedure a year or so back, made her feel like a new person.  Kids are extremely resilient.
You and family will be in our prayers.

Chris

[mavgraph]

Brad,

My thoughts will be with you. Everything will turn out fine as you have the support and prayers of all of us on the boards.

[mk162]

Thanks guys!!!  I got to take her out to lunch today, that was fun, except for the part where she took too big a bite and blew chunks on the table.  Other than that, it was cool.

[bimmridder]

The most simple pleasures are often those we remember all of our lives. You'll never forget those chunks!! I'll keep her in my prayers for a successful procedure.