At just 20 weeks gestation, Sarah and Yaniv’s pregnancy took an unexpected turn when a routine anatomy scan revealed that their son, Thomas, had a serious congenital heart defect. Diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, Thomas’ chance of survival without immediate intervention was slim. Fortunately, through Main Line Health’s alliance with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Sarah and Yaniv received access to the Fetal Heart Program, where a dedicated team guided them through their son’s challenging diagnosis and the treatment process.
Navigating Three Life-Saving Surgeries
After Thomas was born in January 2023, he underwent the first of three major heart surgeries at just two days old. The Norwood procedure, a crucial operation to stabilize his heart, marked the start of Thomas’ long road to recovery. Over the next several months, Thomas faced numerous challenges, including intense monitoring in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and a second surgery—the Glenn operation—at four months old. With his third and final surgery, the Fontan procedure, completed last August, Thomas is thriving. Throughout this journey, Sarah and Yaniv were supported by a team of specialists, including doctors, nurses, and dietitians, ensuring that Thomas received the best care possible.
A Bright Future Ahead
Now, at two years old, Thomas is out of the continuous monitoring phase and is progressing like a typical active toddler. Thanks to the expertise of the medical team, Thomas began to thrive, eventually leaving the hospital to start living his life as normally as possible. His parents continue to share his story to raise awareness about HLHS and the importance of early intervention. Thomas’ remarkable journey is a testament to the life-saving care he received and the strength of the medical team that supported him every step of the way.
