The surgery went as expected, even without knowing what to expect. Dr. Hammel went in and removed the aneurysm by removing the scar tissue. He continues to believe that this aneurysm was completely causing the lung issue.

The cause of the aneurysm has yet to be determined. In previous cases, Dr. Hammel has seen this caused by an infection. After multiple culture tests and visual analysis of the aneurysm, Dr. Hammel doesn’t believe this was the case for Grair. Instead, he believes that the homograph used for the last surgery had a fault. The old homograph might have still had a stump connected to a ductus from the donor while in utero. During Grair’s RSV, the pulmonary pressure was so high that this stump started to leak. However, we may never know the exact cause.

While inside Grair’s chest, Dr. Hammel replaced the old homograph (the pulmonary valve) with a new, larger one. He also widened the left pulmonary artery to match the size of the right pulmonary artery. In all, Grair should be back to where he was after the last surgery.

Grair is in the process of being extabated (coming off the breathing tube). His lungs have responded well to the release of pressure from the aneurysm removal. If this goes well, we are on the fast track to getting home. Grair continues to show his resilency, and how strong of a fighter he is.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!