Abu Dhabi: Louise Cindy, a nine-year-old girl, regained her ability to live as a healthy child after a high-risk surgery corrected a defective valve in her heart.
Cindy was admitted to Burjeel Hospital after her mother found that she was unable to walk for long periods. A series of tests revealed a valve defect that was causing a huge leak in her heart.
“Louise’s case was very rare, and could lead to heart failure even at a young age if left untreated,” said Dr Walid Shaker, consultant and head of cardiac surgery.
The doctor explained that the leak in her heart meant that Louise would suffer from palpitations after engaging in simple everyday activities like running, playing and climbing the stairs. Her life was also at risk due to the possibility that Louise could develop severe heart failure.
Instead of replacing her leaking valve with a mechanical one that would not be able to keep pace with the growth of the little girl’s heart, the choice was made to repair the defective valve itself. This choice of treatment was more demanding, but Dr Shaker said that it would allow Louise to have a normal life.
The surgery took four hours, and Louise appeared to respond well to it. Dr Shaker said she will not face any complications as her heart continues to grow in size, although she may need a valve replacement by the age of 25 years.
“To see my daughter playing and moving around happily now, after what she has gone through, is a miracle. We will forever be grateful to the medical team for giving my little girl a second chance at life,” said Brenda Sumalinog, Louise’s mother.
