The three-hour surgery involved redirecting blood from Amenah's heart to her lungs in order to supply the toddler with better oxygen to the rest of her body. By 11 a.m. the surgical team was able to report to Amenah's mother that surgery was complete and had gone well.
"The surgery went well. We redirected the veins of her heart in a procedure called a bi-directional Glenn Shunt," said Karla Christian, M.D., associate professor of cardiac surgery.
"Her heart already looks much happier. It is pumping very well, and her oxygenation percentages to her fingers and toes went from 60 percent and 70 percent before surgery to more than 90 percent after."
When Christian emerged from the operating room, Mohammed Al-Sumaidaie gave her a big hug and thanked her many times.
"I cannot describe how I am feeling," said Amenah's mother, Maha Mohammed Al-Sumaidaie. "I didn't even imagine this could happen, thank goodness for everything, and I thank God for all those who have helped."
After surgery, Amenah was taken to the Pediatric Critical Care Unit where she will recover for the next several days. She will remain on a ventilator for several hours, requiring intensive care support for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. The first 24 hours after surgery are critical, but doctors are cautiously optimistic Amenah will fully recover.
Amenah was brought to the U.S. through the efforts of a Marine from Gainesville, Maj. Kevin Jarrard.
Maha Mohammed Al Sumaidaie kisses her 2-year-old daughter in the first hour after her open heart surgery at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children
Amenah prepares for surgery
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/2/206862