In a remarkable display of medical expertise and collaboration, El Paso Children’s Hospital has successfully treated a rare and complex pediatric case, bringing a nine-month-old baby home to her family. The journey of Darleth, who was diagnosed with Vein of Galen malformation at just 34 weeks gestation, highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care and the dedication of healthcare professionals.
The Vein of Galen malformation is an extremely rare and life-threatening vascular condition that affects blood vessels in the brain. With only one or two cases encountered every few years, this condition requires extensive coordination among multiple medical specialties, including neurology, neurosurgery, cardiology, neurointerventional radiology, and critical care.
El Paso Children’s Hospital: A Beacon of Hope
When Darleth’s condition became increasingly critical, her family sought treatment options at major pediatric centers across the country. However, the complexity of her case presented significant challenges, and none of the centers accepted her due to the logistical and medical complexities involved. Faced with limited options and months away from home, Erika Muñoz, Darleth’s mother, made the decision to bring her daughter back to El Paso.
Upon returning to El Paso Children’s Hospital, a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and support staff came together to develop an aggressive treatment strategy. Dr. Alberto Maud a neurointerventionalist at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, described the team’s approach: “We decided to take the bull by the horns. We reunited multidisciplinary teams, including neurosurgery, pediatric neurology, neurointervention, PICU, CICU, anesthesia, and cardiology. Together we made an extraordinary effort that resulted in six or seven consecutive embolization procedures to tackle this vascular malformation.”
The Power of Collaboration and Communication
Each procedure required meticulous planning and coordination among clinical teams. Ana Alvarado a Critical Care Registered Nurse at El Paso Children’s Hospital, explained the team’s approach: “We would rehearse and see exactly, even the route we were going to take for her procedures. Every little step, we worked together to determine the best way to give her a positive outcome.”
Communication with Darleth’s family remained a critical component of her care. Dr. Natalia Betancourt-Guzman a pediatric cardiologist at El Paso Children’s Hospital, worked closely with the family to ensure they understood the complex medical decisions ahead. “Dad only spoke Spanish, so the fact that I could sit with him and explain something so complex in his first language was something very beneficial for them,” Betancourt-Guzman said. “It helped them be calm and understand what was happening and the risks so they could make a good decision.”
A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude
From the day Darleth was born, specialists closely monitored her heart function as they worked to stabilize her condition. William Wong a pediatric echocardiographer at El Paso Children’s Hospital, shared the team’s commitment: “Our team has been doing echocardiograms since literally day one. We have been scanning her for almost a year now, and ultimately you just accept the fact that she is part of the family.”
The commitment of physicians, nurses, therapists, and support staff became a defining part of Darleth’s journey. Dr. Alejandra Melendez-Zaidi a pediatric epileptologist at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso and El Paso Children’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of their dedication: “When you have a patient who has such a complex disease, it really emphasizes why you need physicians who love taking care of kids and love taking care of their families. That’s pediatrics, and that’s why you need a place that allows for the coordination of all those resources and interactions.”
After months of treatment and collaboration, the team’s efforts produced remarkable results. The embolization procedures resulted in the stabilization of Darleth’s brain, seizures, heart failure, and liver failure. This allowed the nine-month-old baby to breathe independently, come off the ventilator, and finally be discharged home.
For Erika, the outcome exceeded every expectation. “I am left without words,” she said. “I am so grateful because this is my daughter that I had before. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. We are always going to remember you. I am always going to remind Darleth about what they did for her.”
Dr. Maud emphasized that Darleth’s recovery reflects the collective dedication of countless caregivers, as well as the unwavering support of her family. “Outcomes like this are possible because of our nursing staff, our PICU staff, our administration, and everyone involved in providing the highest level of care for children with brain diseases,” he said. “But we cannot overlook the role of her mother, her sisters, and the family support throughout the entire process. The trust they gave us to take care of Darleth’s brain was unparalleled.”
Today, Darleth’s story serves as a powerful reminder that advanced pediatric specialty care is available close to home for families across the Borderland region. Her recovery reflects the strength of multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative treatment, and the resilience of a child who never stopped fighting.
“Look at us and where we arrived,” Erika said. “The effort that she put in, she is a strong girl. I didn’t expect this, but she has proven to us that she is so strong, and I am so happy to be her mom.”