ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI - FOX2now.com) -
History was made Friday at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. A baby, who had surgery in the womb months ago, was born today. This is the first baby ever born at Cardinal Glennon. Ali Davis beat the odds and is doing better than doctors expected. In the 22nd week of pregnancy Ali was diagnosed with a hole in his diaphragm which made his lungs abnormally small.
Fetal Surgeon Dr. Edmund Yang said, "From my past experience I know these babies have a very difficult time surviving." He injected a blue gel that purposely blocked the baby's airway. Dr. Edmund continues, "I wanted to do something before birth to make the lungs grow that's because we don't need the lungs before birth we have mom."
The baby's family gave their approval to the experimental treatment. The child was delivered by cesarean section. The procedure consisted of a few steps. At first just the baby's head was delivered to establish his airway before cutting the umbilical cord. Doctors had expected to put Ali on an echo machine. This is a machine that helps him breathe. But, he was breathing on his own.
Ali Davis is listed in critical condition and is expected to be hospitalized for at least two months. His mom is recovering at another hospital. Dr. Yang hopes the success of this procedure will lead to a series of experimental trials at Cardinal Glennon Hospital.
Fetal Surgeon Dr. Edmund Yang said, "From my past experience I know these babies have a very difficult time surviving." He injected a blue gel that purposely blocked the baby's airway. Dr. Edmund continues, "I wanted to do something before birth to make the lungs grow that's because we don't need the lungs before birth we have mom."
The baby's family gave their approval to the experimental treatment. The child was delivered by cesarean section. The procedure consisted of a few steps. At first just the baby's head was delivered to establish his airway before cutting the umbilical cord. Doctors had expected to put Ali on an echo machine. This is a machine that helps him breathe. But, he was breathing on his own.
Ali Davis is listed in critical condition and is expected to be hospitalized for at least two months. His mom is recovering at another hospital. Dr. Yang hopes the success of this procedure will lead to a series of experimental trials at Cardinal Glennon Hospital.
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