Here is Max getting a TTE (Transthoracic Echocardiogram); a sonogram of the heart. They're doing final reconnaisance for his operation tomorrow morning.
They've begun to increase the amount of blood products he's getting to boost his platelet count (to improve clotting factors) before the operation.
PDA Info
"Before birth, there is a natural opening between the aorta (the main artery to the body) and the pulmonary artery (the main artery to the lungs) called the ductus arteriosus. This opening usually closes shortly after birth. PDA occurs when this opening fails to close; PDA occurs in about 10% of infants. PDA is often treated initially with a medication called indomethacin. If the ductus fails to close on its own or with indomethacin, surgery is performed. A small incision is made on the left side of the chest. The ductus is either ligated (tied off) or cut."
-- University of Maryland Medical Center http://www.umm.edu
(click on images to enlarge)
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