Chapter 1462
After a brief pause, he added, “Now, get some rest. You’ve got a big day ahead.”
“Goodnight,” Belinda murmured, closing her eyes.
The following morning, every doctor from the Cardiac Surgery Department at Grand Plains General Hospital assembled in the conference room following their morning rounds.
Present alongside them were the hospital director and Caiden. In the observation area sat Barbara, the patient, her mother Nalani, and two family members, Elwood and Zaria.
Once everyone was settled, the director opened the meeting, explaining its purpose.
Turner then took the floor to present his treatment plan.
“Barbara, the patient, was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome six years ago. She has a Type A aortic dissection and complete aortic dilation,” Turner stated. “I propose a two-stage preventive surgery. First, we replace the aortic root, valve, and arch. In the second stage, we address the thoracoabdominal aorta. This method is less risky, with shorter surgical times. Additionally, since the patient isn’t in pain now, I recommend a few more days of hospitalization for recovery before proceeding.”
Turner ended his speech and stepped back.
Belinda then rose and approached the front, her demeanor calm. “I recommend a David procedure combined with a total aortic replacement.”
Her statement sparked an immediate reaction among the doctors.
“What? The David procedure with a full aortic replacement? Is she insane?” one member of Turner’s team gasped.
“I think Belinda has truly lost her mind!” another whispered.
The commotion confused Nalani and her family, who couldn’t grasp the reason for their reaction.
Undeterred, Belinda continued, “The David procedure involves repairing the patient’s own aortic valve to restore its function. Although Barbara’s aortic valve is diseased, it hasn’t deteriorated to the point where replacement is absolutely necessary. A valve replacement would mean lifelong anticoagulant therapy, which would significantly affect her quality of life. At sixteen, Barbara is young, resilient, and capable of withstanding a total aortic replacement. That’s all I have to say.”
She finished speaking and returned to her seat.
A stunned silence gripped the room.
Then, Turner, seated opposite Belinda, let out a derisive chuckle. With a mocking smirk, he said, “Dr. Wright, do you even understand the implications of what you’re proposing?”
Belinda raised her eyes, locking onto Turner’s gaze with a composed expression and a steady voice. “Dr. Ortiz, I’m well aware of that. Did I not make myself clear? Shall I repeat it?”
Turner spun the pen in his hand, letting out a sharp, dismissive laugh. “Dr. Wright, let’s be clear. Total aortic replacement is the most demanding procedure in our department. Nationwide, you could count the surgeons skilled enough to perform it on one hand. Are you seriously claiming you’re capable of pulling it off?”