Vanellope Hope Wilkins born with the heart out of the body, a very strange condition known as ectopia cordis, a malformation derived from an alteration of embryological development that prevented its ribs and sternum from forming normally.
A year ago we echoed the case, and the complex surgical intervention to which it had been subjected. Today, 14 months after that, this British baby has been discharged and finally you can start a new life in your home, surrounded by your family.
The doctors gave him little chance of surviving
Ectopia cordis is an extremely rare condition, with an incidence of very few cases per million births. 90 percent of babies with this malformation die before birth, and those who manage to survive, die within a few days.
Vanellope's malformation was detected on an ultrasound performed on his mother in the ninth week of pregnancy, and although parents were recommended to abort, they decided to move on. He pregnancy follow-up was very thorough and his birth occurred on November 22, 2017 by caesarean section, which involved more than 50 professionals from four different medical teams.
At birth, she was placed in a sterilized bag and fifty minutes later she underwent her first intervention. At seven days, the second and third at two weeks.
The case of this baby is considered something exceptional, since the little girl not only survived the pregnancy, but also successfully surpassed the three operations to which she was subjected. 
In Babies and more A baby of only nine months lives with a half heart, thanks to a pioneering interventionIt has been discharged, but it still has a long way to go
The little girl was operated at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester (England), but five months after the intervention she was transferred to the Nottingham's Queen's Medical Center, with the aim of being closer to her home.
After nine months of intensive care in this hospital, and some occasional short trip to enjoy at home, the little girl has just received the final discharge. You will still need 24-hour ongoing care, specialized treatment and the help of a respirator for 18 hours a day, including the night.
His parents are excited, and as they explained in an interview with the BBC, they face this new stage with great enthusiasm and relief, although logically with much uncertainty. They know that your daughter will have to face important challenges, and that the road ahead of them is very long and tedious, but being at home surrounded by theirs is undoubtedly a great step.
For the doctors who treat her, the case of Vanellope is a great mystery, and this is stated in a statement published by the hospital itself:
"Vanellope's condition is extremely rare. It has been a learning experience for all of us, and watching her grow from when she was a baby until now, it has been really wonderful "
"A great team of professionals has been involved during all this time in their care. We have created for her a specialized shield that helps protect her heart, and there are physiotherapists, game specialists, nurses and a great management team working on her case "
As hospital sources explain, the next phase of Vanellope treatment will include the creation of an artificial sternum, as well as other measures that will have to be developed and put into practice as the girl grows and develops.
There is no other similar case registered in the United Kingdom, and very few in the world. I hope this little girl continues to make progress in her recovery, and soon we can echo another important new step in her life.
Via BBC
