Research
First-of-its-kind pressurization test could improve Ross procedure outcomes
The Ross procedure is a preferred surgery to treat severe aortic valve disease. The procedure replaces the failing valve with a patient’s own pulmonary valve. It’s an effective treatment option, but some patients have had complications. After surgery, the root of their aortic valve — where the valve connects with the heart — enlarges and causes ... Read More about First-of-its-kind pressurization test could improve Ross procedure outcomes
Patient Stories
How a meniscal transplant made me a Boston sports fan
I was in kindergarten when my knee started popping and cracking. My parents and I didn’t know it at the time, but I’d been born with discoid meniscus. The cartilage in my knee that was supposed to protect my shinbone and thighbone from rubbing together was misshapen and throwing my knee out of alignment.I had ... Read More about How a meniscal transplant made me a Boston sports fan
Patient Stories
Finding the right team for achondroplasia: Jeremy’s story
As an “older” mom, Erica Johnson was used to undergoing more frequent screenings while pregnant with her second child, Jeremy. But when an ultrasound at 30 weeks revealed that his head appeared to be much larger than his legs, she raised a flag with her local obstetrics team. “They assured me that he’d catch up,” ... Read More about Finding the right team for achondroplasia: Jeremy’s story
Patient Stories
Hard and beautiful at the same time: Five lessons of raising a medically complex child
When they learned they were expecting a baby, Michelle and Stephen Strickland were delighted. The South Carolina couple looked forward to their child’s first words, first steps, and first family vacation. “You have this vision of a perfect life,” says Stephen. But when Aubree was born with a rare and complex condition, the couple entered ... Read More about Hard and beautiful at the same time: Five lessons of raising a medically complex child
Patient Stories
The ‘Trach Chapter’: Isabella’s journey with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Isabella’s life has been anything but ordinary. Born at just 27 weeks gestation and weighing only 1 pound, 4 ounces, Isabella has faced uncertainty from the very start. But as her parents, Hrach and Kimberly, will tell you, she’s conquered every challenge life has thrown her way. And in spite of her bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) ... Read More about The ‘Trach Chapter’: Isabella’s journey with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Patient Stories
‘Challenge accepted’: Sophia takes on a brain tumor
In 2023, Sophia Mordini landed the role of a lifetime. A competitive dancer, the 12-year-old would play Clara in her company’s production of “The Nutcracker.” But the performance was bittersweet: Just two weeks after the curtain fell that December, she underwent surgery to remove a very large and complex brain tumor. ‘We knew something was ... Read More about ‘Challenge accepted’: Sophia takes on a brain tumor
Research
3D imaging could become standard practice in orthopedics. Here’s how.
It took a trained eye to see the abnormality on the patient’s X-ray. There, hidden behind the acetabulum was the shadow of a small bone spur. “At first glance, this looks like a normal, healthy hip,” says Young-Jo Kim, MD, PhD, director of the Child and Young Adult Hip Preservation Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. ... Read More about 3D imaging could become standard practice in orthopedics. Here’s how.
Research
Promising advances in fetal therapy for vein of Galen malformation
In 2024, Megan Ingram* of California and her husband were preparing for the birth of their third child when a 34-week ultrasound revealed a potential complication. Their obstetrics team suspected a vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) — a rare vascular condition involving significantly elevated blood flow to the head because of direct connections between arteries ... Read More about Promising advances in fetal therapy for vein of Galen malformation
Patient Stories
A true hero’s journey: How a team approach helped Wolfie overcome pancreatitis
Wolfgang, affectionately known as “Wolfie,” is a bright and energetic 7-year-old with a quick wit and a love for making others smile. He keeps his mom, Cara, his older sister, Cadence, and his dad, Jameson, laughing with his playful humor. Behind the laughter and love, Wolfie and his family have been navigating a difficult medical ... Read More about A true hero’s journey: How a team approach helped Wolfie overcome pancreatitis
Patient Stories
Four things you should know about MAPCAs treatment
As the first grandchild in her family, Hannah Homan is in demand for frequent visits. She was also the focus of attention last month when she turned 1. It’s been happy times for her parents, Amanda and Brian, but they couldn’t see that far ahead early last year. They had received a worrisome heart diagnosis ... Read More about Four things you should know about MAPCAs treatment