Week 4 - Jada Okaikoi

 Jada Okaikoi | Clinician: Dr. Jiwon Kim

This week focused on cardiac CT imaging, where I spent time reading scans to identify and quantify mitral annular calcification (MAC). It was interesting to see how the amount and location of calcium can significantly influence treatment planning, as severe calcification can make both surgical and transcatheter valve procedures more technically challenging and increase the risk of complications. Seeing these cases reinforced how detailed imaging is essential for selecting the safest and most effective intervention for each patient.

I also observed an open-heart surgery on a 3-month-old infant with an atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and a subaortic membrane. Together, these defects allowed abnormal blood flow through the heart while the subaortic membrane obstructed blood leaving the left ventricle, placing additional strain on an already overworked heart. At such a young age, repairing these defects is critical to restore normal circulation, prevent irreversible damage to the heart and lungs, and allow for healthy growth and development. Watching the surgical team carefully repair each defect was a powerful reminder of how congenital heart surgery can completely change the trajectory of a child’s life.


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