After going through lengthy consultations with cardiologists throughout Australasia, it has been formally confirmed there are no options for removal with no expertise available for this complex treatment injury. The US remains the focal point. Without removal, future dialysis and transplant options are not feasible. We thank everyone for their ongoing support and generosity.
We are hopeful of finding a surgeon in Melbourne that can apply the same laser sheath removal technique. Going to the US currently is not feasible due to rising costs of surgery and the exchange rate both being cost prohibitive. The average cardiothoracic procedure in Australia is around $70,000 (for an extraction of pacemaker leads), so we are hopeful a surgeon can apply the same principal with an embedded fractured catheter. The major hurdle is the length of time the catheter has remained in situ and the fact they don't do these procedures routinely as it should never happen, hence being in this unique situation. The only way of getting to the US now will be if ACC change their legislation to enable treatment injury cases to get the surgery they need if it's not available in NZ. Thankyou so much to everyone who has donated, we can't reiterate enough how appreciative we are. The attached image is a 3D image created by the surgeon from the US showing the catheter and fragments in bright green sitting in the SVC (superior vena cava) inside the heart.
We appreciate all the support so far! We have made this an open goal - every dollar is appreciated.
Thank you so much for the overwhelming generosity from friends, family and complete strangers. My family and I are extremely humbled by the messages of support and donations. We are also exceedingly appreciative of your support. We are inching closer towards our goal of rectifying my rare treatment injury. It's frustrating that it has had to come down to asking for donations for something that should be taken care of by ACC or the MOH. Kind regards, Simon, Jo, Ben, Kate & Olivia xx
Think of you often and...wonder. Hopefully soon you will be sharing something magic, until thentake care and stay safe. J
