Seven-Year-Old Thrives After Groundbreaking Heart Surgeries

Jules Tanksley, a seven-year-old girl from Louisiana, is thriving after undergoing a series of life-saving surgeries at Manning Family Children’s Hospital. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare condition where only one side of her heart developed, Jules has shown remarkable resilience and strength. Her mother, Keri Beth Tanksley, expressed deep gratitude for the care her daughter received, stating, “So only one side of her heart grew. So she essentially still has half of a heart, and she’s living with half of a heart at seven years old, thanks to Children’s Hospital.”

Without early medical intervention, infants with this condition often face severe health risks. At Manning Family Children’s Hospital, specialists restructured the plumbing of Jules’ heart, enabling her to not only survive but thrive. Dr. Timothy Pettite, who performed her surgeries, emphasized a revolutionary approach: “What some pioneers of my field discovered many years ago is that you don’t need a ventricle to pump blood, specifically to the lungs.”

Jules underwent her first surgery when she was just six days old, followed by additional surgeries at six months and three years old. These procedures involved combining valves, redirecting blood flow, and adding a graft to facilitate proper circulation. Dr. Pettite noted, “So right now she’s stable and doing good. She’s a first grader. She’s loving school. You know, there are some restrictions, but she’s a normal kid.”

Currently, Jules requires routine check-ups every six months to monitor her health. The advancements at Manning Family Children’s Hospital have led to pioneering less invasive operations for future patients with similar congenital heart defects. Dr. Pettite stated, “The outcomes have been excellent. And right now we’re the only ones that are doing this type of percutaneous, complete hybrid operation in the state of Louisiana.”

This medical progress underscores the significant impact that modern medicine can have on the lives of children. Dr. Pettite remarked, “To make such a profound impact on a child at a very young age that affects the whole trajectory of their life — it’s simply amazing.”

As the holiday season approaches, Jules is set to participate in a local parade, where she will reign as one of the queens. Despite admitting to a little fear of Santa, her spirit shines through. Her journey, marked by bravery and determination, serves as an inspiring testament to the advancements in pediatric cardiology and the remarkable capabilities of young patients like her.