Athena & Puff Puff
When Melissa and Dwayne brought their daughter, Athena, for her one-year checkup, her pediatrician noticed a heart murmur that caused some concern. After additional testing with a local cardiologist, Athena was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), an opening between the two major blood vessels leading from her heart.
They met with Bryan Goldstein, MD, who recommended additional testing and a cardiac catheterization that would provide more information on Athena’s condition. Dr. Goldstein discovered that Athena also had peripheral pulmonary artery stenoses, congenital narrowings of her lung arteries. After hearing this news, Melissa and Dwayne made the decision to move to Pittsburgh so that Athena could receive the best care possible at the Heart Institute.
Athena has undergone six heart catheterizations with Dr. Goldstein and the Heart Institute team. Before one of her procedures, her sister surprised her with Puff Puff – a stuffed chicken to remind Athena of her favorite animals on their family’s farm. Puff Puff has become Athena’s constant companion and keeps her company everywhere she goes.
Athena’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.