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Baby's Heart Stops Twice After Unique Surgery
13 Feb
Summary
- Chester's unique heart required open-heart surgery to repair a defect.
- He endured sepsis, Covid, endocarditis, and life-saving CPR.
- Future surgery needed to fit mechanized valves as he grows.
Chester Osment, a 15-month-old boy, has shown remarkable resilience after undergoing complex open-heart surgery. During the eight-hour procedure on June 2, 2025, his heart stopped twice and reached a dangerous 280 beats per minute. His surgeon described Chester's heart as unique, unlike anything previously encountered.
Born with a congenital heart condition called complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD), Chester's early life was marked by frequent hospitalizations. He battled sepsis, Covid, and endocarditis, and his mother, Kristy Evans, had to perform CPR on him.
His condition required corrective surgery, but Chester was too small at birth. After months of struggle, including periods of heart failure, he underwent the extensive surgery in Bristol. Post-surgery complications included supraventricular tachycardia, managed with medication.
Chester is currently stable but requires further surgery to implant mechanized valves, needing to reach 10kg (22lb). Despite developmental delays, he is described as a strong and happy child. His mother is fundraising for the British Heart Foundation, highlighting that heart conditions affect babies from birth.
