Ethan thrives despite all odds
His condition has attracted the attention of doctors worldwide and will be the main topic of discussion at an international cardiac conference in Johannesburg next month.
The good news that Ethan’s heart has grown instilled new faith and hope in the Smith household.
Ethan Jay Smith, first introduced to readers in the Highvelder of 5 February 2016, was born with a 3,9 by 4,59 cm tumour in his heart.
After birth Ethan battled to breathe and spent his first 10 days in the ICU.
The problem persisted and barely 40 days old Ethan underwent his first open-heart surgery during which the tumour was discovered.
Although benign, the life-threatening tumour, known as a fibroid, is connected to the posterior wall of the left ventricle which affects heart and lung functions.
Even doctors at the Boston University Medical Centre in the USA did not know what course of action to take.
There is no record in any known medical literature of a fibroid tumour growing in the heart, complicating the decision on a treatment plan.
Three days later he underwent by-pass surgery lasting almost six hours so that his heart can function on one ventricle.
While he was still in ICU two weeks after his surgery, Ethan’s lungs collapsed, causing him to go into cardiac arrest.
Doctors took a shot in the dark handling each hurdle one at a time resulting in his miraculous improvement.
A follow-up consultation with his cardiologist last week revealed that the affected side of Ethan’s heart has grown and that there is blood flow.
The doctor also confirmed that the tumour has not grown. This changes everything, beginning with the cancellation of inserting a bigger shunt during a planned operation when he turns four.
Barring any complications, doctors now hope that Ethan’s heart will grow steadily till he reaches adulthood when the tumour can be removed safely.
Ethan is doing well, he has discovered what his legs can do and enjoys his new-found freedom, apart from tiring quickly after a walking spurt.
His condition has attracted the attention of doctors worldwide and will be the main topic of discussion at an international cardiac conference in Johannesburg next month.
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