Dr. Ira Parness: “Born With a Congenital Heart Condition, Now a U.S. Open 'Ambassador’”
Children at The Mount Sinai Hospital had a special treat recently when 17-year-old high school tennis player Tyler Buxbaum visited them as the hospital’s designated U.S. Open Ambassador. Tyler was born with a congenital heart defect, but has grown up to be a strong tennis player because he got early and ongoing treatment. Before Tyler was born, a medical team acknowledged abnormal sonograms, and advised his expectant mother to meet with a cardiologist who specializes in congenital heart defects at The Mount Sinai Hospital — Ira Parness, MD, Professor, Pediatrics, Cardiology — before she made her decision. Dr. Parness explained to Dawn that her baby’s aortic heart valve was dangerously narrowed. He knew of a procedure that was possible in newborns — cardiac catheterization. He thought Tyler would be a good candidate after birth. At 37 weeks, Mrs. Buxbaum had a successful, planned delivery by C-section and Tyler was delivered at seven pounds. His heart wasn’t functioning normally, but he received immediate care.
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