Emmitt's Story: Triumph of Resilience and Hope Following Aortic Coarctation Surgery
From a young age, 8-year-old Emmitt has been an active and healthy child, embracing a love for science, discovery and learning. He loves to laugh, crack jokes and dream about the future. One day, he hopes to become a marine biologist.
Amid the laughter and boundless energy of her son, Emmitt's mother, Breanna, had no reason to suspect an underlying heart condition. During a routine checkup, a heart murmur, an abnormal sound heard during the heartbeat cycle, prompted further evaluation.
"It came as a shock to me because there were no noticeable symptoms of a heart condition," Breanna said. "Emmitt was still active and full of energy. He was never diagnosed with a heart issue when he was born. Just to be on the safe side, we were referred to the pediatric cardiology team at CHRISTUS Children's."
An Unexpected Diagnosis
In August 2023, Emmitt visited the Heart Center at CHRISTUS Children's, where he underwent a comprehensive cardiac evaluation. Diagnostic testing included an electrocardiogram (EKG), which measures the heart's electrical activity, and a heart ultrasound, which provides real-time images of the heart's structure and function.
While the EKG results were normal, the ultrasound revealed a narrowing of Emmitt's aorta known as coarctation of the aorta. Following additional evaluation, Emmitt was referred to Dr. Victor Bautista-Hernandez, a cardiothoracic surgeon at CHRISTUS Children's, to determine the best treatment approach. After reviewing Emmitt's condition, the care team determined that surgery would provide the best long-term solution.
Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the body's main artery, which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The narrowing can restrict blood flow and force the heart to work harder to pump blood through the affected area.
"I'm already a nervous wreck," Breanna said. "But seeing my 8-year-old with a heart condition raised my anxiety, especially considering the vital role the aorta plays in keeping us alive. My nerves were rattled. Dr. Bautista sketched a drawing to illustrate how he planned to address my son's heart condition, and it brought me a sense of calm. I felt more assured about moving forward with the procedure. Emmitt is resilient, and I had confidence that, given his fighting spirit, he'd experience a successful recovery."
Surgery Day
The day of surgery arrived, and Breanna, committed to maintaining a positive atmosphere, shared a prayer with Emmitt. Together, they faced the challenges ahead with courage, smiles and even a few jokes. With support from a therapy dog and the compassionate care team, Emmitt bravely entered the operating room.
On Oct. 2, 2023, Emmitt underwent heart surgery at CHRISTUS Children's under the care of Dr. Victor Bautista-Hernandez and the pediatric cardiothoracic surgery team. During the procedure, the surgical team removed the narrowed portion of his aorta and carefully reconnected the healthy sections. This approach provided a lasting correction to the obstruction and restored healthy blood flow.
The four-hour surgery was a success, but the true testament to Emmitt's strength came during recovery. Remarkably, he was up and walking the same evening after surgery. By the next day, he was eating, and within days he was back to running, jumping and joking with family.
Breanna says she is grateful for the care her son received throughout his recovery.
"The staff was amazing," Breanna said. "Everyone took the time to explain what would happen before, during and after surgery. They kept us informed every step of the way and made sure we felt comfortable with the process."
"The nurses were fantastic. Anytime Emmitt needed something, they responded quickly. They brought activities and toys to keep him occupied, and you could feel how much they genuinely cared about him and our family."
Three days after surgery, Emmitt was discharged home. His follow-up care includes annual visits with his cardiology team to help ensure he remains on a healthy path as he grows.
Emmitt Today
Two months after surgery, Emmitt was thriving.
"Emmitt is a resilient kid," Breanna said. "He is a true momma's boy. If he could, he'd be with me all day. He's my second oldest, and his brothers are thrilled that he's doing well and back home with them."
For families navigating a heart condition diagnosis, Breanna offers words of encouragement.
"I understand the fear and difficult decisions that come with a diagnosis like this," she said.
"But as a parent, you know your child better than anyone. What kept us strong was trusting the team at CHRISTUS Children's and staying positive throughout the journey. Put one foot in front of the other, lean on your support system and know that there is hope."
To learn more about the Heart Center at CHRISTUS Children's, visit:
Pediatric Cardiology in San Antonio | CHRISTUS Children's Hospital.
