Brayden’s Heart Journey: A Story of Courage, Resilience, and Exceptional Care

Twelve-year-old Brayden Tompson is a thriving, active 7th grader with a passion for history, especially World War II. He’s the kind of kid who can spend hours watching the History Channel, eagerly sharing facts about his favorite time periods, and asking to revisit the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. By all appearances, he’s your typical pre-teen, but his journey to get here has been anything but typical. 

An Unexpected Diagnosis 

Brayden appeared healthy at birth, but during his two-week check-up, his pediatrician detected a heart murmur and referred him to a cardiologist at the Heart Center at Manning Family Children's for further evaluation. After several tests, Brayden was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve with aortic stenosis, a congenital heart condition where the aortic valve has only two leaflets (bicuspid) instead of the usual three. In Brayden’s case, two of the leaflets were fused, narrowing the valve and restricting blood flow. This forces his heart to work harder, increasing stress and the risk of complications if left untreated.  

“It was a complete shock," his mother, Lori, recalls. "I was scared and nervous. The cardiologist showed me a diagram of the heart, pointing out the two fused leaflets and the narrowed aortic valve.” 

At two months old, Brayden underwent a balloon valvuloplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to treat his narrowed heart valve. A small balloon was inserted through a catheter into the valve and inflated to widen the opening, improving blood flow and reducing strain on his heart. The balloon procedure relieved the pressure on his heart and Brayden seemed to be doing well in the years that followed. 

"When Brayden was a newborn, we noticed he would get tired just from drinking his bottle," Lori explains. "In hindsight, it was a subtle sign of his heart condition." 

A Steady Course Until Heart Complications Arise 

For nearly a decade, Brayden’s heart was closely monitored by his pediatric cardiologist—first every six months, and later, annually. When his previous cardiologist relocated, Thomas Kimball, MD, Director of the Heart Center and Division Chief of Cardiology at Manning Family Children’s took over his care in 2021.  

While Brayden was doing well and a valve replacement was expected in the future, his family believed it wouldn’t be necessary until much later in life. However, in November 2023, Dr. Kimball noticed a significant change in Brayden's heart function, specifically in his heart numbers, which indicate how efficiently the heart is working. After performing echocardiograms and ultrasounds, the cardiology team determined that further intervention was necessary.  

“We were extremely worried, but hopeful,” his mom shares. “Dr. Kimball walked us through the surgical options but didn’t want to rush into a decision. He asked us to return a few months later for a re-evaluation. When we came back, there was no improvement, and that’s when the doctors decided the Ross procedure would be the best treatment option for Brayden.”  

What is the Ross Procedure? 

The Ross Procedure is a specialized heart surgery used to treat severe aortic valve disease. In this procedure: 

1. The patient's diseased aortic valve is replaced with their own healthy pulmonary valve. 

2. A donor (cadaver) valve is then used to replace the pulmonary valve. 

This technique allows the newly positioned pulmonary valve to function like a natural aortic valve, potentially growing with the patient, making it a preferred option for children and young adults. Additionally, it reduces the need for lifelong blood thinners, which are often required with other valve replacement options.

Surgery Day: Paving the Way for a Functioning Heart 

Before moving forward with surgery, Brayden’s family met with Timothy Pettitt, MD, the cardiovascular surgeon who would be performing the Ross procedure. Dr. Pettitt carefully explained the details of the operation, walking the family through each step of the process. He answered all of their questions, ensuring they fully understood what to expect and providing reassurance during this critical time. 

In June 2024, Brayden underwent the Ross procedure, a complex surgery where his aortic valve was replaced with his own pulmonary valve, and the pulmonary valve was replaced with a donor valve.  

"It was a long day," Lori remembers. "The surgery took about nine hours, and we got updates through an app, which helped ease some of the anxiety. But as a parent, it was still incredibly hard. I broke down when they took him back, but the nurses were so comforting. They provided me with frequent updates." 

The first few days after surgery were tough, as Brayden struggled with the effects of anesthesia and couldn’t keep food down. But by the third day, his strength began to return.  

"It was amazing how fast he went from lying in bed to walking around the hospital," his mom said. After a week in the hospital, Brayden was discharged, and his recovery at home began. 

Brayden today 

Today, Brayden continues to see Dr. Kimball for annual check-ups which include echocardiograms, ultrasounds, and EKGs to monitor his heart. Despite the challenges he’s faced, Brayden is doing remarkably well. "It’s incredible that he never had major symptoms before we detected his heart issue," Lori reflects. "I often wonder if he just got used to it because his heart was always like that." 

Looking back on their experience, Brayden’s mom can’t say enough good things about the care he received at the Heart Center at Manning Family Children’s. 

“The doctors and nurses were wonderful from the moment we checked in for surgery until the time we left," she said. "Everyone involved in his care were great. We knew we were in good hands, and I’d tell any family going through something similar to trust the care they’re receiving at this hospital." 

Brayden’s journey may have had some unexpected twists, but today, he’s a healthy, active individual. His family’s strength, paired with the expert care he received at Children’s has helped Brayden not just survive—but thrive. 

“My son’s journey has truly shown us the power of hope and resilience,” said Lori. “He’s doing wonderful now, and his future is looking brighter than ever." 

To learn more about the Heart Center at Manning Family Children’s, visit https://www.manningchildrens.org/services/heart-center/ 

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