Children's Hospitals Today - Summer 2023 - 32

VITALS / THRIVING
From chaos to calm
After a rare condition, a dangerous birth, several surgeries and 169
days in the NICU, Aydin is smiling.
a team of more than 25 specialists performed a complex
procedure called ex utero intrapartum treatment, or EXIT,
partially delivering the baby. Everything had to be timed
perfectly-if the placenta separated before the airway could
be established, the baby would not survive.
During Aydin's birth, doctors quickly discovered a worstcase
scenario: His airway was totally blocked. With the
newborn still receiving oxygen from his mother via the
umbilical cord and placenta, pediatric otolaryngology expert
Scott Rickert, M.D., placed an oxygen tube through an incision
in the neck and into the lungs. After delivery, another crisis
struck: Aydin's heart stopped beating and he went into cardiac
arrest. The team placed Aydin on ECMO to take over the work
of his heart and lungs until they could function on their own.
" He was as critically ill as you can be, " says neonatologist
Robert M. Angert, M.D. He received around-the-clock care
from two nurses; regular assistance from respiratory,
physical and occupational therapists; and additional support
from a nutritionist, music therapist and other specialists.
More than a month after his birth, Yadi and Jamaal held their
son for the first time.
After 169 days in the NICU and numerous surgeries, Aydin
Several members of Aydin's care team gathered at Hassenfeld Children's
Hospital at NYU Langone to reunite and wish him a happy first birthday.
Y
adi Martin was 24 weeks pregnant when she and her
husband Jamaal learned that their son had a rare condition.
Called CHAOS, for congenital high airway obstruction
syndrome, the anomaly makes it impossible
for air to reach the lungs. It has affected fewer
than 100 babies in the United States since 1989;
most did not survive.
Even after they learned of their unborn
child's condition, the Martins believed
their baby would survive. Yadi had already
experienced four miscarriages but felt certain
of Aydin's healthy future. " We believe this is our golden child, "
she says. " He is our chosen one. " The couple decided to name
the baby Aydin Idris, which means " enlightened, smart and
studious " in Arabic.
The Martins arrived at Tisch Hospital, part of Hassenfeld
was declared healthy enough to leave the hospital. He spent
the next six months in a rehabilitation center, continuing his
recovery. " To see him leave felt like a graduation, " says Angert.
At 11 months old, Aydin arrived home, and his parents finally
" EVERY DAY, HE
got to witness firsthand what so many of his doctors and
nurses had experienced. " When he was in the hospital, people
would say, 'He makes up so happy.' To be able to see it ourselves,
it melts our hearts, " says Jamaal. " Seeing him
smile is the best part of the day. "
Shortly before his first birthday, Aydin and
LETS US KNOW HOW
HAPPY HE IS. "
his parents returned to Hassenfeld Children's
Hospital for a reunion. Nearly two years after
his birth, Aydin has begun walking and learning
sign language. His parents find inspiration in
his resolve. " If he can deal with all of this, how
do we not do it? " says Yadi. " He's just happy, and every day, he
lets us know how happy he is. "
The original version of this article was published by Hassenfeld
Children's Hospital at nyulangone.com.
Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, for a surgical birth like
no other. After delivering only the baby's head and shoulders,
Tell us an amazing patient story. Email magazine@childrenshospitals.org.
32
CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS TODAY Summer 2023
Photo: James Yarusinsky for NYU Langone Health
http://www.nyulangone.com
Children's Hospitals Today - Summer 2023

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