Tuesday, October 14, 2014

No blockage found, heading to the OR

The cath lab didn’t find any blockage, which is good news. However, he is in such dire straits with organ failure that he needs a break. He is going to be put on an external heart-lung bypass machine called ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation*). For those of you familiar with Riley’s history, he went on ECMO after his Fontan failed in 2006. The procedure happens in the operating room and it will be performed by Dr. Hanley, the same surgeon who did his 1 1/2 ventricle repair last week.

Our hope is that taking complete control of his heart, lungs, and kidneys (he can receive dialysis while he’s on ECMO), his body can begin to recover. Fingers crossed. Our guys needs a break.

*For all of my fellow MFA graduates, you may recall reading about ECMO during workshops or hearing about it during my senior reading at USF in 2011.

13 comments:

swamps said...

OK, ECMO do your job. You too, Dr. Hanley.

Unknown said...

Big time Sarah, big time xxx

Unknown said...

GO ECMO .. may rest and breath work their magic.

Anonymous said...

Please let this be the answer and let it be for as short a time possible to start the path to healing!
xoxoxo
Babs

Anonymous said...

go ECMO. Give him some time to rest/recover!

Anonymous said...

crossing fingers. crossing toes. sending you powerful love. xo lisa, danny, paddy, lucy and ruby

Anonymous said...

Fight the good fight, Riley. We know you can do it, brave little boy. The entire universe is pulling for you.

Lorna Gladstone

Unknown said...

We're all rooting for you, Riley. You've touched so many people with your courage and determination. xoxo
Julie, Erik, Ellie & Jack

John Triska said...

Come on, Riley! I'm sending you back the positive energy you've touched me with for all these years! You can do it!

Anonymous said...

God, keep Riley safe, give him grace and send him an angel to make him brave, strong and unafraid! My prayers are with you buddy and your family!

Steven Kaufman said...

Dear Riley, you're an amazing person! Rest and recover. My thoughts are with you and your lovely family.

Diane (Cameron's aunt) said...

May Jesus' love protect you and heal your body totally. As you rest and recover may His angels charge over you and prepare you for a wondrous life. In our sweet Jesus' name we pray with full faith and expectation! Amen.

Unknown said...

Please God. Keep him strong and let me recover.