First in Colorado: Pueblo baby receives expandable heart stent for rare condition

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) — A baby from Pueblo is making medical history after becoming the first patient in Colorado to receive a new type of expandable heart stent designed to grow with her.

Emma Rae was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome when her mother was about 20 weeks pregnant. The rare condition means only one chamber of the heart pumps blood to the body after birth.

Dr. Taylor of Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora performed the procedure, implanting a specialized stent that can expand as Emma Rae grows. Medical experts say the device could help reduce hospital stays between the multiple surgeries typically required for children with the condition.

While the procedure offered hope, it was also risky, and her parents say they were not immediately sure it was the right decision.

“There was not a better solution,” said Jesse and Angel Patrick. “As a parent you’re forced to say yes to something you don’t feel comfortable with, but you know it’s what’s best for your child.”

Despite their fears, the couple moved forward, trusting the doctors and believing they were meant to face the journey with their daughter.

They say the decision came down to love and the strength they knew Emma Rae would need to survive.

A year later, the procedure is considered a success.

Doctors say Emma Rae will still need additional procedures in the future to expand the stent as her body grows. However, those procedures are expected to be far less invasive.

For her parents, every milestone is now a reminder of just how far their little fighter has come.

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