Exploring a little heart From Spotlight on Health - Winter 2011

Not many 7-year-olds can explain the anatomy of the body, but Zachary (Zac) Moore can. Zac has had a lot of opportunities to learn about his heart because he was born without a right ventricle and an abdominal defect.

Zac’s mom, Rachael (Olsen) Moore, recalls the start of Zac’s journey. “When my three-month ultrasound indicated a problem, I was referred to Edward ‘Chip’ Martin, a pediatric cardiologist at the Central Minnesota Heart Center. Dr. Chip explained things in a way that made sense and reassured me,” Rachael said. On Feb. 12, 2003, Zac was born at St. Cloud Hospital and transferred to the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital for his first of three heart surgeries. He was able to return to St. Cloud Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for his post-surgical care and follow up with Dr. Chip Martin.

Dr. Chip Martin and Zac

“We are so grateful Zac can have all of his follow-up heart care and echocardiograms at the Central Minnesota Heart Center in St. Cloud,” Rachael of Sauk Rapids said. “Going to the doctor with a child is already worrisome, but when you have to drive a distance it adds unnecessary stress.”
Today, Zac has no physical restrictions because of his heart defect -- only a road map of scars on his chest or a“zipper” as he calls it. Zac continues to learn about his heart.

The Central Minnesota Heart Center at St. Cloud Hospital has two cardiologists who diagnose, treat and provide follow-up care for a variety of pediatric conditions. In addition to Chip Martin, MD, electrophysiologist Ann Dunnigan, MD, provides treatment for children with abnormal heart rhythms -- even within the womb.

Advanced fetal monitoring also is available for high-risk pregnancies by Thomas McNanley, MD, at the Center for Advanced Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Care at St. Cloud Hospital. New fetal monitoring technology allows doctors to see the physical condition of the baby and record electrical activity and respiratory rate.