Otto & Pooh Bear
Just two days after he was born, Otto’s parents were ready to take their new baby home from the hospital. But during the routine car seat tolerance screen, the team at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital noticed irregularities in Otto’s breathing and heart function. He went to the NICU at UPMC Magee, where they confirmed that Otto was born with total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), a congenital heart defect where the pulmonary veins do not connect normally to the heart. Otto was transferred to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where the Heart Institute team created a treatment plan for Otto’s heart.
At 12 days old, Otto had open heart surgery with cardiothoracic surgeon Melita Viegas, MD. To help his recovery, Otto’s older brother, Ronan, picked out a stuffed animal to keep Otto company. Ronan chose Pooh Bear to stay by Otto’s side and keep his little brother safe.
Otto was discharged nearly two weeks later to continue his recovery at home with his family. His parents continue to take him for follow-up appointments with the team at the Heart Institute for ongoing care.
Otto's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.