A New Lease on Life: Aiden’s Pulmonary Valve Replacement at Oklahoma Children's Hospital

Melissa Magana, of Nashville, Tennessee, was 26 weeks pregnant when life took an unexpected turn. During a routine ultrasound, her doctor found a serious heart defect in her baby called tetralogy of Fallot. This is a condition that affects how the heart is built and usually isn’t found until birth or even later. The news was hard to hear, but the family was relieved it was caught early. Now they could prepare and put a care plan in place.

Aiden was born on April 8, 2014 — Melissa’s third child. Although her delivery went smoothly, the tiny newborn was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) so his oxygen levels could be closely watched.

Aiden’s Heart Defect

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect, meaning an infant is born with it. It includes four problems:

• A hole between the heart’s lower chambers
• A narrowed valve or artery that makes it harder for blood to flow to the lungs
• The main artery (aorta) in the wrong place
• A thickened muscle wall on the right side of the heart

These issues change how the blood flows through the heart and how much oxygen gets to the body. Most babies need surgery to fix them.

At just 6 weeks old, Aiden had emergency open heart surgery to treat his tetralogy of Fallot. The surgeon closed the hole between the lower chambers of his heart and repaired a narrow valve using a transannular patch. This helped blood flow more easily to his lungs so he could get more oxygen and have more energy. The surgery was successful.

However, Aiden’s parents were told that it’s common for the repaired valve to leak over time. This can cause blood to flow backward into the heart.

After his surgery, Aiden grew into an energetic little boy.

A Move and a Warning Sign

The Maganas, a military family, moved from Nashville to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in January 2023. By this time, they had welcomed two more children. Middle-child Aiden was athletic and always on the go.

In July 2023, just before his 10th birthday, Aiden fell while sliding into second base during a Little League game. He was acting a little differently, and Melissa thought he had hurt himself. But weeks later, Aiden told his mother that he had actually passed out, not slipped.

“That was the initial symptom that clued us in that something was going on,” said Melissa. “And things kind of trickled downhill from there.”

A pediatrician at Fort Sill referred Aiden to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health Heart Center, where he was seen by pediatric cardiologist Dr. Charles Sperrazza M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Dr. Sperrazza explained that Aiden’s pulmonary valve was leaking from the transannular patch, and the right side of his heart had become enlarged. This made it hard for Aiden to breathe during activity because he wasn’t getting enough blood to his muscles and lungs. As a result, he developed what doctors call exercise intolerance. The valve would need to be replaced.

There is a certain amount of leakage that is expected from this surgery, and it can get worse over time. Children with tetralogy of Fallot often need a pulmonary valve replacement when they grow older, usually around adolescence.

In the past, this meant another open-heart surgery. But thanks to a newer technology called transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement, doctors can now place a new valve using a catheter guided into place through a blood vessel. Once in place, the new valve closes properly, which improves blood flow and helps the heart work better. It also helps prevent long-term problems like heart failure.

“This procedure makes it possible for patients to recover and get back to normal a lot quicker,” said Dr. Sperrazza. “Patients who come in symptomatic have the catheterization, and within a week they feel much better. They can be back to normal activities in two weeks compared to six to eight weeks after the surgical option.”

Aiden had his valve replacement on March 6, 2024. The procedure took about two to three hours. As soon as he woke up, he could feel the difference. His chest felt clearer, and he could breathe more easily.

“Aiden was only in the hospital overnight,” said Melissa, “which was mind-blowing compared to his first surgery as an infant, where he stayed for almost six weeks. This time, the procedure was through a catheter in his neck, making it very different from our first experience. Aiden’s entire care at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital has been excellent.”

Back to Having Fun

Aiden’s pulmonary valve replacement at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Heart Center has given him a new lease on life. Just four weeks after the procedure, he was back outside — practicing basketball and riding his bike. A year later, his stamina and energy levels continue to improve. Doctors expect he’ll feel the full benefits of the surgery within a few years.

“Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Heart Center is the only comprehensive cardiac care center in the state that can provide diagnosis and treatment from the prenatal period into adulthood,” said Dr. Sperrazza. “We offer all the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques available.”

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is known for its comprehensive and compassionate care. With over 573 pediatric physicians and specialists, the hospital offers expertise in a wide range of services — including complex heart care. Their advanced facilities and commitment to innovation make them a leader in pediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery.

Families trust Oklahoma Children’s Hospital for its nationally recognized excellence and family-centered care. The team supports not just the medical needs of young patients like Aiden, but their emotional well-being too — every step of the way.

Learn more about the Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health Heart Center, including our surgical outcomes and surgery services provided or call us at (405) 271 – 4411.