For the first time, a rare catheterization was performed on a three day old baby who was diagnosed with a blood clot in the main vein of her abdomen, saving her kidneys.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Adam Farkas, Head of our Vascular Anomalies Clinic, Dr. Anthony Verstandig, Head of our Interventional Radiology Unit and Dr. Yaakov Amsalem, the Director of our Interventional Neuroradiology Unit in cooperation with our Rothberg Institute of Pediatric Nephrology and our Huberfeld Neonatal Intensive Care Complex.
Dr. Adam Farkas explained, “Vascular catheterization in such a tiny newborn is especially challenging since there is no precedent in the medical literature. The medication normally used to dissolve blood clots is unproven in this specific situation and would increase the baby’s risk of a brain hemorrhage given her young age and her low platelet count. We decided to use a minimally invasive approach, focusing on mechanically removing the clot itself. Our multidisciplinary approach complemented by special equipment from the Interventional Neuroradiology Unit contributed to this wonderful outcome. During the five hour procedure we removed and broke down most of the blood clots. We were very happy to see the kidneys quickly start functioning.”
The baby’s mother shared, “We are grateful to the medical team for their dedication and for their emotional support during this difficult time. The medical team diagnosed the problem very quickly and immediately treated our daughter. Our daughter is a present, this is a big miracle.”
In the photo: Dr. Adam Farkas
