Angelica Vance never imagined the rollercoaster of emotions and uncertainties that awaited her when she went in for a routine caesarean section. Little did she know that her newborn daughter, Chloe, would face life-threatening challenges right from the start. The journey began with a medical anomaly that threatened Chloe’s ability to breathe independently.
During the final trimester of Vance’s third pregnancy, unusual symptoms emerged, indicating a potential complication. Excessive amniotic fluid accumulation raised concerns, leading to further investigations that revealed a growth in Chloe’s chest and neck. This growth not only hindered swallowing but also posed a severe risk to her respiratory functions immediately after birth.
Dr. Chris Derderian, a pediatric and fetal surgeon at Children’s Hospital Colorado, explained the critical transition from receiving oxygen through the placenta to breathing autonomously after birth. In such cases where immediate intervention is crucial, he recommended an ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure to secure Chloe’s airway before complete delivery.
The high-stakes procedure involved partially delivering Chloe via caesarean section while keeping her connected to Angelica to ensure continuous support until she could breathe on her own. With limited margin for error and exceptional coordination among specialists, every moment was filled with tension as they worked tirelessly to secure Chloe’s air passage.
As Dr. Derderian led the delicate operation on October 15 (2024), an atmosphere of focus and urgency enveloped the delivery room. Dozens of medical professionals stood ready for any possible complications as they navigated the narrow airway obstructed by the growth. The tension reached its peak as they inserted a breathing tube into Chloe—a make-or-break moment determining her survival.
Miraculously, within minutes of uncertainty and suspense, Chloe responded positively to ventilation as color returned to her cheeks—an emotional turning point for all involved. Dr. Derderian reflected on the successful outcome amid immense relief:
“I don’t think we could have hoped for a better scenario.”
Vance woke up relieved yet anxious about what lay ahead for her newborn daughter post-surgery. Subsequent procedures aimed at removing the growth proceeded more smoothly than anticipated, offering glimpses of hope amidst initial fears. As days turned into weeks in neonatal care, Chloe gradually progressed from ventilator support to independent breathing—each milestone marking resilience and determination.
Despite facing challenges like difficulty swallowing due to delayed fetal development caused by the growth around her neck, Chloe embarked on a journey of recovery with unwavering strength and support from dedicated healthcare professionals like occupational therapist Sarah Waible.
Vance shared their family’s story not only as a testament to their resilience but also as an inspiration for others navigating similar uncertainties:
“It feels like playing catch-up every day, but witnessing how far Chloe has come fills us with gratitude and hope.”
Chloe’s early struggles paved the way for remarkable progress fueled by love, perseverance, and expert care—a poignant reminder of life’s fragility intertwined with moments of triumph against all odds.
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