Kansas City, KS – After suffering a miscarriage, Kelsey Fitzpatrick was preparing to try for another baby when doctors discovered a potentially life-threatening aortic aneurysm and a severely leaking heart valve. Another pregnancy could have put her life at risk. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Todd Crawford at The University of Kansas Health System performed a highly specialized open-heart procedure that repaired her aorta while preserving her natural valve, allowing her to avoid long-term blood thinners. Just months later, Kelsey became pregnant. Today, she and her husband Chris are celebrating life with their baby boy, Tucker.
Kelsey Fitzpatrick, Patient, Clinical Pharmacist Supervisor, The University of Kansas Health System
Kelsey suffered a miscarriage in late 2024 and underwent an echocardiogram before trying to become pregnant again.
She underwent open-heart surgery in February 2025 to repair her aorta while preserving her natural heart valve.
She welcomed her son, Tucker, with husband Chris. Tucker was delivered by Dr. Thomas.
She shares how the loss of her first pregnancy ultimately led doctors to discover the heart condition that threatened her life.
Dr. Todd Crawford, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Crawford explains the dangers of an aortic root aneurysm and severe aortic regurgitation, particularly for women considering pregnancy.
He performed a specialized valve-sparing aortic root replacement, known as the David procedure, which replaces the enlarged portion of the aorta while preserving the patient's natural aortic valve.
He discusses why preserving Kelsey's valve was important in avoiding a mechanical valve and the long-term blood-thinning medication it would require.
He explains the complexity of reconstructing the aortic root and repairing the valve rather than replacing it. The University of Kansas Health System is the only facility in Kansas offering this procedure, according to the show's surgical team.
He shares his personal experience undergoing the same type of surgery in his early 30s and how that helped him connect with Kelsey and her husband.
He discusses how his team monitored Kelsey's heart health throughout her subsequent pregnancy.
Dr. Megan Thomas, Maternal and Fetal Medicine Specialist, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Thomas recommended the echocardiogram uncovering Kelsey's dangerous heart condition while evaluating her chronic high blood pressure.
She explains the risks an untreated aortic aneurysm and severe aortic regurgitation could pose during pregnancy.
She discusses the importance of evaluating maternal heart health before pregnancy, especially in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions.
She explains how maternal-fetal medicine specialists work alongside cardiac surgeons to help patients with complex heart conditions plan for pregnancy.
She discusses the precautions and monitoring involved in caring for Kelsey throughout her pregnancy.