From the press release:
Asheville, N.C., Feb. 8, 2012 – Medical teams at Mission Health and Transylvania Regional Hospital recently joined forces to save a newborn with a rare medical condition.
The baby, delivered Jan. 17, was born with a rare defect called vasa previa. According to the International Vasa Previa Foundation, fetal blood vessel(s) from the placenta or umbilical cord cross the entrance to the birth canal, beneath the baby. It is estimated to occur in only one of every 2,500 babies and the fetal mortality rate is as high as 95 percent.
Everything had been going smoothly for the mother-to-be at Transylvania Hospital when a nurse noticed a sudden, dangerous change in her condition. She was rushed to the operating room where the baby was delivered. Pediatrician Dr. Ora Wells and a seasoned team of nurses took quick action to resuscitate, intubate, insert an umbilical vessel catheter and give O- blood to the newborn. Mission Health’s infant transport team was summoned. After providing assistance onsite at Transylvania Hospital, they brought the baby to the Mission NICU. Since then, the child has made a rapid recovery.
“From the moment the patient notified the perinatal nursing team to the delivery of the baby by the doctors, every person on Mission Health and Transylvania Hospital’s medical staff performed at the highest level of skill to achieve a positive outcome,” said Dr. Susan Mims, Medical Director at Mission’s Children’s Hospital.
“The immediate and quality care provided at Transylvania saved this infant’s life and likely prevented this child from having subsequent problems as he grows up,” said Dr. Rentz, neonatologist at Mission Children’s Hospital. “Many community hospitals do not transfuse newborns, but Transylvania’s thoroughly trained medical staff was able to make a quick, responsible decision and execute the procedure.”
About Transylvania Regional Hospital
Transylvania Regional Hospital is a nationally ranked 5-Star Hospital and a leading provider of quality healthcare services in Transylvania and surrounding counties. Based in Brevard, N.C., it is a not-for-profit hospital founded in 1933 and is the largest employer in Transylvania County.
About Mission Health
Mission Health, based in Asheville, NC, is the state’s sixth largest health system and the tertiary care regional referral center for Western NC and the adjoining region. In 2012, Mission Health was named by Thomson Reuters as one of the top 15 health systems in the nation – the only health system in North Carolina to receive this recognition.
Founded in 1885, Mission Health is a not-for-profit, independent community hospital system that operates four hospitals, numerous out-patient and surgery centers, and the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma center. Its medical staff consists of more than 750 physicians, and is certified in over 50 medical specialties and sub-specialties. Centers of excellence include heart, stroke care and neurosciences, and pediatrics. Mission Hospital, the system’s flagship hospital, is licensed for 730 beds and is the busiest surgical hospital in North Carolina. Other Mission hospitals include Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, McDowell Hospital in Marion, and Mission Children’s Hospital in Asheville. With nearly 6,000 employees and 700 volunteers, Mission Health is dedicated to serving and improving the health and wellness of the people of Western North Carolina.
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