This case study was revised in 2023, get the NEW VERSION!

This case study focuses on a baby boy who was born with a problem with his heart.  The story is based on a real scenario, though some of the names have been changed, and the parents gave permission to include photos of the infant.

Students will read about symptoms that occur when a baby is born with stenosis, or a narrowing of the artery.   Students consider treatment options and compare the circulation of a fetus to that of an adult.   Finally, the Ross Procedure is described where a valve from the pulmonary artery is moved to the aorta.

This case study was made for a high school anatomy class, and may not be appropriate for younger audiences.  Students should have already completed the chapter on the circulatory system and have a strong foundation in how the circulatory system works.  Case studies are designed to be completed in small groups so that students can have discussions and help each other with difficult vocabulary.

HS-LS1-2 Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms