The twins were born three months premature with their patent ductus arteriosus’ (PDA) still open. The Kid Experts at Children’s Minnesota developed a standard guideline and protocol for preterm babies requiring transcatheter closure of their PDA, meaning Madison and Peyton were in the best hands possible.
Each year, approximately 40,000 babies are born in the United States with a heart problem, making congenital heart defects (CHD) the most common type of birth defect. Camp Odayin provides a fun, safe and supportive camp experiences for young people with heart disease and their families – like Riley.
Cardiac catheterizations are procedures in which tiny equipment is inserted into the body through a catheter (tube), which is usually inserted through a large blood vessel at the top of the thigh. Once inside, the physician performing the procedure guides the catheter to the heart, watching the process on a monitor. Some patients require catheterization as a diagnostic tool, often in preparation for surgery. More frequently, though, cardiac catheterization is used to correct a wide range of heart defects.
Children's has the only dedicated pediatric cardiac catheterization lab in the Upper Midwest.