Sadie RutenbergAmerican girl with world's smallest artificial heart valve
Date of Birth: 11.11.1201
Country: USA |
Content:
- A Tiny Heart, a Major Feat
- The Risky Procedure
- A Breakthrough
- A Rare Condition
- A Life-Changing Valve
- Battling through Surgeries
- Star-Studded Support
- A Child Like Any Other
A Tiny Heart, a Major Feat
In 2014, Sadie Ruttenberg was born with a life-threatening heart defect that left her parents, Li'or and Wendy, desperate for a solution. After two failed surgeries, they were given a glimmer of hope: an experimental procedure to replace Sadie's defective heart valve with the world's smallest artificial heart valve.
The Risky Procedure
The valve, called the Abbott Masters, was only 15 mm long and had not yet been approved by the FDA. The Ruttenbergs were faced with an agonizing decision: give their infant daughter a chance at survival, even though the outcome was uncertain. They took the leap of faith and consented to the surgery.
A Breakthrough
The third surgery was a success, and Sadie emerged as a healthy and vibrant child. Today, she is an energetic three-year-old who shows no signs of the struggles she has endured. "Looking at Sadie now, you would never know what she has been through," said Li'or.
A Rare Condition
Sadie was born with a rare congenital heart defect called complete atrioventricular canal (CAVC), which affects around 2 out of every 10,000 children in the US each year. CAVC causes congestive heart failure due to problems with the heart's atrioventricular valve, which allows blood to leak back into the heart's chambers during systole.
A Life-Changing Valve
The Abbott Masters heart valve was designed specifically for infants and toddlers, and it was finally approved by the FDA in 2018. The valve has transformed Sadie's life, eliminating the symptoms and complications associated with CAVC.
Battling through Surgeries
Sadie has undergone a total of five open-heart surgeries and received an implanted pacemaker to regulate her heart rate. Despite these challenges, she has retained her cheerful and playful spirit.
Star-Studded Support
During Sadie's recovery in the hospital, she received a special visit from world-renowned actors Chris Pratt and Chris Evans, arranged by the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Seattle.
A Child Like Any Other
Today, Sadie is a typical three-year-old who enjoys playing at the park, going to the zoo, and watching football with her Patriots-loving father. "She is just so full of life," said Li'or. "There have been no symptoms or setbacks since the valve was implanted. She is the sweetest, happiest little girl."