A small girl who had a ‘broken heart’ underwent a remarkable procedure to mend it, and her mother is grateful to the medical professionals who saved the child.

On August 27, 2019, Leah Sharp received a diagnosis of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD).

According to The Daily Record, the four-year-old has a rare heart condition that results in holes between the left and right sides of his heart.

Lauren Koch, her mother, has now expressed her gratitude to the great medical professionals who in just four days fixed her daughter’s shattered heart.

The 25-year-old mother said that she knew nothing about AVSD, a syndrome that accounts for 4% of all heart abnormalities identified in children.

Leah had a hole in her heart, the doctor discovered after hearing a murmur in her chest and sending her for an urgent scan, according to Lauren. It was a major surprise to me when they told me that she had AVSD.

It was similar to the sensation of getting a lump in your throat just before crying but being unable to do so. ‘I experienced that for approximately a week. I was totally at a loss for words and actions.’

The valves that regulate the flow between the heart chambers often struggle to mature normally in people with AVSD, which can lead to serious difficulties.

There is a chance of brain damage, renal damage, and lung issues like pneumonia if neglected. AVSD may result in death.

The mother from Dunbar said, ‘I never intended to conduct AVSD research. Leah’s heart problem can manifest in so many various ways, and there are countless possible consequences. ‘I’ve read accounts of newborns not even surviving to leave the hospital,’

Leah was originally kept under observation, and after that, physicians told Lauren that Leah would require open heart surgery to safeguard her against any problems in the future.

It was stressful, but at the same time it was relieving to know what would be done to assist Leah, according to Lauren.

Leah underwent open heart surgery the following day after being admitted to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on Thursday, March 24, 2021.

The seven hours that her family waited in suspense were spent attempting to be upbeat and avoiding thinking of the worst case scenario.

Lauren described how stressful for her and Leah’s extended family the tense wait was. Lauren continued, ‘We just wanted it over and done with.’

Then, when we finally received the news informing us that the procedure had been successful, Leah amazed the staff by recovering so quickly.

Leah made a speedy recovery and was released just four days after being hospitalised. As a result, her thankful mother is now indebted to the medical team who helped save her daughter.

What children can endure at such a young age is truly amazing.

‘However, you should also have faith in your medical professionals and nurses. We are extremely fortunate to have the NHS and what they are capable of.’

‘If I hadn’t had that faith in them, I’m not sure what I would have done. They’re incredible.’

Leah is doing well and is currently enjoying a break from nursery to rest. The four-year-old, who has been described as ‘very shy yet really mischievous at the same time,’ is eager to return to school following the summer break.