Throughout her pregnancy, Bailey’s son, Will, consistently measured larger than normal. When an ultrasound technician jokingly asked, “How do you feel about giving birth to a moose?” the nickname stuck.
Throughout the pregnancy and after Will’s birth, many moose items were purchased for him.
During his 20-week ultrasound, Will was diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and hypoplastic right ventricle. This occurs when the pulmonary valve is underdeveloped or absent, and the right ventricle is small because it doesn’t get enough blood flow during development. This condition results in a lack of blood flow to the lungs and requires immediate intervention shortly after birth.
Elizabeth Caris, MD, Will’s perinatal cardiologist, was calm and reassuring. She thoroughly explained Will’s surgical options to his family.
One day after Will was born, Luciana da Fonseca da Silva, MD, performed open heart surgery to place a shunt to make sure his lungs were getting enough blood flow. About four months later, Will required two additional surgeries, which were performed by Mario Castro-Medina, MD, to improve oxygen saturation and blood flow.
Thanks to the entire team, including Lauren Carlozzi, MD, Will is doing great at home and goes to regular check-ups with his pediatric cardiologist, Evonne Morell, DO.