Dr. Ramesha Papanna, co-director of UTHealth Houston Fetal Center, described the serious situation faced by Samantha Collins when vasa previa was discovered during her pregnancy. He explained, "If the vein were to rupture, her baby would bleed out in minutes."
Collins shared her initial fears upon receiving the diagnosis, stating, "When we found out, we were obviously very scared and didn’t have much knowledge about how to proceed." However, she expressed confidence in Dr. Papanna's expertise and decision-making process, leading them to opt for the fetoscopic surgery to address the vasa previa Type 2.
Dr. Papanna highlighted the significance of the surgery for patients like Collins, emphasizing that it can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the condition. He stated, "For mothers with Type 2 who are eligible for the surgery and have a successful outcome, it removes the anxiety associated with rupture during pregnancy and allows them to sleep well at night."
Collins recounted her decision-making process, noting that reducing stress was a major factor in choosing the surgery. She expressed gratitude for the medical team involved in her care, praising their support and honesty throughout the journey. Reflecting on her experience, she remarked, "I did that, and now we have a healthy baby, and that’s all that matters."
The successful fetoscopic surgery performed by Dr. Papanna enabled Collins to deliver her baby girl, Charlotte Reese Collins, without the need for a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. The procedure, which took place when Collins was just over 31 weeks pregnant, ensured the safety of both mother and baby.
Collins expressed her profound appreciation for the medical professionals who guided her through the process, emphasizing their reassuring presence and dedication to her well-being. She credited their expertise and support for the positive outcome of her pregnancy, culminating in the birth of a healthy baby girl.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the maternal-fetal medicine specialists at UTHealth Houston resulted in a successful outcome for Samantha Collins and her newborn daughter, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and innovative interventions in managing complex pregnancy complications.
