A newborn in Del Rio, Texas, faced a life-threatening challenge shortly after entering the world, requiring emergency heart surgery just hours after birth. The surgery took place in San Antonio and was performed by Dr. Aaron Abarbanell, a seasoned congenital cardiothoracic surgeon affiliated with UT Health San Antonio. "He had a pretty severe emergency, (a) form of congenital heart disease,” Dr. Abarbanell disclosed in a report by KENS5.
Brianna Vasquez, who gave birth to Naabaahii Smith in November, experienced the distress of being separated from her son almost immediately. "I didn't even get to hug him, or anything," Vasquez revealed to WFAA, recalling her heartache at seeing her child's abnormal coloring and not being able to hear his first cry. Due to complications with his oxygen levels, the infant had to be airlifted to the larger medical facility, with Vasquez anxiously trailing behind.
Illustrating the gravity, of the situation, Dr. Abarbanell explained that Naabaahii had total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, where the blood that should go to his heart from the lungs was misrouted through his liver. With time being critical, there wasn't a moment to spare for a goodbye hug before the infant was whisked away to surgery. "They couldn't wait," Vasquez said. "They had to do the surgery. There is risks. To not be able to kiss him and hold him before going into surgery, it was really hard."
The procedure endured four tense hours, but Naabaahii proved resilient. "It is a perfect name for him, Naabaahii which means warrior," his mother stated proudly, speaking to the strength he demonstrated. Following surgery, Dr. Abarbanell offered an optimistic outlook. "You would never know he had heart surgery, unless you saw the incision," he said, underscoring the successful outcome. Through the ordeal, Naabaahii's jovial spirit remained intact, as Vasquez effused about his constant smiling and happiness. A recent cardiology checkup indicated positive progress, with the young warrior now on medication to aid his recovery, as noted by KENS5.
