waiting...

Evan is in having the catherization done right now, went back a few minutes before 8 and it could take up to 3 hours. We met with his Dr. right beforehand, and learned what they'll be looking for/the possible scenarios.

1. Some of his ECHOs from his local cardiologist showed what may be evidence of a supra ventricular ring above his mitral valve. Basically a ring of tissue that is above his valve. If this ring is there, and is causing the backup, it's a more simple fix than replacing the valve, they would just have to scrap it. They won't be able to tell much about this ring during the cath, it's better seen from his ECHO. If needed, they will do more pictures to see this clearer.

2. The big thing they're checking is his pulmonary blood pressures. They really want to know the pressure of his left atrium (upper left ventricle). There isn't a path the cath can take there, so instead the read pressures in the right atrium and balloon into his lungs. This should give a good estimate as what his left atrium is at. There's a small chance, this reading wouldn't be accurate, if that was the case, they would use a needle through his septum to get an actual reading. There's more risks to this, so very unlikely. if they did do this, they would be able to check on the status of having a supra ventricular ring.

So, when they check the pressures, 3 options:

- if pressures are 1/2 or lower of his regular blood pressure, all is good. We can hold off on any surgery.

- if pressures are close to or at his regular blood pressure, surgery is needed. What that surgery entails, TBD.

- if pressures are between 1/2 - 3/4 of his regular blood pressure, it's a judgement call where they'll get consults with Dr. Devaney, his surgeon from his first surgery.

So, now we wait. In regards to deciding on surgery (pending that scenario), final decisions wouldn't be until next week. Dr. Devaney isn't in today for a consult. But even if his pulmonary pressures are very high, what surgery looks like isn't known, and may not be known really until Dr. Devaney begins the surgery. There's only so much they can tell without actually looking at it. It could be a replacement, or he may be able to manipulate some things to cause better blood flow.

UPDATE: Our nurse just came out, no news yet, but all is going well. Access was easy, they're checking pressures right now. The actual cath should take another 1/2 hour, then Dr. will write her notes and come talk to us.

I'll update when we can