Peri had a third wean trial today from ECMO. While she showed some improvement again, she was not able to separate from ECMO for long. After a long day filled with difficult conversations, it looks like the best step moving forward is to transition from ECMO to a ventricular assist device (VAD). This device will essentially do the work of her heart and should allow for her chest to be closed. It is attached surgically, so Peri will be going in for another surgery tomorrow. While VADs carry risks, as have so many things on Peri’s journey, she will have the best chance of surviving until transplant with this option. With a VAD in place, Peri may be able to come off of the ventilator and should be able to start getting full feeds. She will hopefully also have the opportunity to grow and catch up a bit in her development. 

While this is another scary step on our path, we are hopeful that Peri will come through this well. She has such a strong spirit and has worked so hard through all of her challenges. We are so incredibly proud of her and grateful to be fighting alongside her.