The Heart of the Matter

* American Heart Association

Here are a few facts about congenital heart defects, ventricular septal defects, and Caroline's upcoming surgery:

• Approximately 1 in 100 babies are born with a congenital heart defect.
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is the most common type of heart defect.
• Many VSDs close on their own and do not require surgery. However, if the hole is large, surgery is usually recommended in the first year of life.
• Caroline's VSD measures about 11 mm at its largest point (this is a large VSD).
• At the present, closing a VSD of Caroline's size requires open heart surgery.
• VSD closure is one of the most commonly performed open heart surgeries done on infants.
• The surgery has a very high success rate.
• Children are expected to have a very healthy and normal life span following a successful VSD closure.

If you are interested in learning more about VSDs or Seattle Children's Heart Center, check out the following websites:

www.congenitalheartdefects.com

www.heart.seattlechildrens.org

Thanks for your ongoing love and support during this difficult time, but as you can see, we have many reasons to believe that Caroline is going to come through this just fine. She is a tough little girl and has already taught us so much about what it means to live.

Love,

Leslie, Mike, and Caroline