NEW YORK, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Using minimally invasive heart surgery, doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital are helping children born with heart defects to have a better chance at a healthy life. Unlike traditional open- heart surgery where the patient’s chest is opened from top to bottom, doctors can keep the incision to 2 inches.
According to Dr. Jeff Heinle of Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, the advantages of this smaller incision are two fold: one cosmetic, in that the scar is not visible in normal clothing and two, kids may bounce back quicker after these less invasive operations.
Five-year-old Audrey Hilliard was born with a hole in her heart called an atrial septal defect, which can damage the heart and lungs. Audrey underwent minimally invasive heart surgery and today is an active and athletic child.
For more information, visit http://www.texaschildrenshospital.org/
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video version and more available at http://www.prnewswire.com/broadcast/11744/11744_consumer.html
SOUNDBITES: Dr. Jeff Heinle, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston; Gabe and Jessica Hilliard, parents of Audrey
VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Texas Children’s Hospital
Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/broadcast/11744/11744_consumer.htmlTexas Children’s Hospital
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