Newborn with Single Ventricle Thrives with Expert Care

“Eliza showed us her heart warrior ways before she could walk. Our first baby was diagnosed with double inlet left ventricle, or single ventricle, at 19 weeks gestation during a routine ultrasound.

“We were terrified – but Dr. Eric Devaney, Chief of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at UH Rainbow, helped us prepare for our newborn’s seemingly inevitable open-heart surgery days after birth.

“Eliza was born full-term, and by some miracle, did NOT need surgery! The months that followed however, were close to a parent’s worst nightmare. Eliza was admitted to UH Rainbow multiple times, from failure-to-thrive to pneumonia, RSV to Pulmonary Artery Banding procedure at seven months, our little heart warrior quickly became the strongest person we’d ever met.

“On May 3, 2018, Eliza was finally stable enough for the Glenn procedure. When we entered the pediatric intensive care unit to see Eliza for the first time after surgery, Dr. Alex Rotta, who had cared for her when she was so sick, flashed us the biggest smile and held up his hand for a high-five. That small gesture was all the reassurance we needed to know our little girl was going to be OK.

“Today, Eliza is an independent and spunky two-and-a-half year old, and a great big sister! We see our friends at UH Rainbow, who became more like family, less often these days. But not a day goes by that we don’t quietly thank them for helping to heal our sweet Eliza’s heart.” – Jennifer and Nick Delich, Eliza’s parents