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First cardiac surgery of a premature baby

26.09.2014

Прва кардиохируршка интервенција на предвремено родено бебе

The first cardiac surgery of a premature baby was performed in the Clinical Hospital “Acibadem Sistina”, who was born less than one kilogram. Despite the complexity and risk, prof. Dr. Salis Tadzher successfully operated Katya. This intervention was crucial for her further treatment and growth. During the operation, Katya was 34 days old and weighed 830 grams.

“Since her weight was less than one kilogram, the operation was very risky with 20 % chance of survival. Katja couldn’t be moved to an operating room, since she was breathing with a ventilator. We performed the surgical closure of the ductus in an incubator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Department. We had to be very precise because if the lungs or the heart were moved to the side, it could cause the heart to stop. We performed a coronary surgery on 2-3 mm blood vessels. After the intervention, little Katja progressed well and her diaphragm was activated. The intervention was completed and Katja will no longer have problems with the ductus. ” stated prof. Dr. Salis Tadzher, who is a cardiac surgeon at the Clinical Hospital “Acibadem Sistina”.

Katja spent 100 days at the Neonatal Intensive Care Department.

Katja Todorovska was born prematurely at 26 weeks’ gestation of the pregnancy, with low birth weight of 830 grams. The care and struggle for her life started in the delivery room. Given the immaturity and low birth weight, the timely primary resuscitation was vital, followed by placement of devices for artificial ventilation. In such way, the 100-day treatment of Katja began. The treatment was in accordance with all protocols for premature born babies, with constant monitoring of all vital functions.

“The risk of early complications is constantly present and requires a huge commitment in their solution. After two – three weeks with assisted breathing, the treatment began to respond. Just when we thought the ventilator weaning would go easy, a new problem appeared. The blood vessel that connects the great arteries (ductus arteriosus) remained open. This condition made the treatment more difficult and led to new complications. After the intervention, the things went smoothly; the baby grew before our eyes, changed and matured every day. “- stated Dr. Simonida Spasevska, who is a pediatrician.

Throughout the stay, Katja received tremendous love and dedication of the entire team of neonatologists and nurses. After 100 days, Katja was sent home as a 3,5 months old baby, who weighs 1680 grams.

“We kept our promise; Katja left the hospital in the arms of her mom and dad.” said Dr. Simonida Spasevska.

Katja was born after the forth in vitro fertilization, which was done at the Clinical Hospital “Acibadem Sistina.” Although the chances of getting pregnant were small, little Katja was born.

“We worked hard, we fought together and we did it! We monitored the pregnancy together with Dr. Gordana Petrovska. I have to thank the team of neonatologists who professionally worked together and kept alive this little baby. Most of all, Katja is a little fighter that we all fell in love with and we are especially proud of her. Despite the difficult times you may have in your career, such an event gives you strength. It is our biggest inspiration and motivation to go on. “said Dr. Slobodan Lazarevski, who is head of the IVF Department.

Despite all the efforts of the doctors, Katja had to be born in the 26th week. “The pregnancy was very small, but the hope and struggle for life was great. The hardest decision was the decision about the delivery mode, given the obstetric history and the capacity of the uterus. After talking to the family I decided that, it would be best the delivery to be vaginal. Together with a team at the Neonatal Intensive Care Department, the excellent cooperation of Marina and the moral support from her husband, who attended the delivery, little Katja was born. At that point, the delivery room was filled with tears of joy, but also with great uncertainty about Katja’s fate. “explains Dr. Gordana Petrovska, who is a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.

Dr. Alexander Sajkovski, who is head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Department where Katja spent the first 100 days of her life, said that the Clinical Hospital “Acibadem Sistina” is prepared to successfully deal with the challenges of premature babies. He added that together with the young hero Katja, who the team worships, the hospital grew as well. Her life is our inspiration, the reason why we exist and why we fight.

You can watch the video for “The brave heart – Katja” on the following link.