Innovative cardiac surgery at Ochsner Children’s saves premature twin

A groundbreaking procedure with life-changing results

NEW ORLEANS — When Kailee B. learned she was expecting monochorionic/diamniotic (mono/di) twins, she was filled with anticipation. Mono/di twins are identical twins who share a placenta but develop in separate amniotic sacs. However, the situation quickly shifted to a critical medical emergency when Kailee delivered her daughters, Braylee and Bexlee, prematurely at 34 weeks. 

While both newborns required specialized neonatal intensive care, Braylee faced a life-threatening crisis. Born unresponsive and showing a blue tint, she needed immediate and intense medical intervention. Physicians diagnosed Braylee with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a severe congenital heart defect where the aorta and the pulmonary artery are reversed. This condition prevents properly oxygenated blood from circulating through the body. 

Braylee’s only chance of survival required complex cardiac surgery. A medical helicopter transported her from Baton Rouge to Ochsner Children’s in New Orleans, a journey that required emergency resuscitation mid-flight. Upon arrival, she was placed under the care of Benjamin Peeler, MD, Co-Director, Congenital Heart Center, Ochsner Children’s; Chief Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Surgery, Ochsner Health. 

When Braylee was just two weeks old, Dr. Peeler performed an arterial switch procedure. During this intricate operation, he repositioned Braylee’s aorta and pulmonary artery to their correct anatomical locations. The surgery successfully restored normal blood flow and saved the newborn's life. Following the procedure, Braylee spent two weeks recovering in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). 

“Dr. Peeler’s calming nature truly made me feel at ease,” Kailee said. “Everyone at Ochsner Children’s was a godsend to us. We could not have gotten through those times without each person we encountered.” 

Today, Braylee is thriving, growing healthy and strong alongside her twin sister, Bexlee. 

This life-saving intervention highlights Ochsner’s commitment to the expert management of pediatric health. Ochsner Children’s is the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana and is nationally ranked in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. 

Learn more about pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Ochsner Children’s here: Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery | Ochsner Health 

About Ochsner Children’s  

Ochsner Children’s is part of Ochsner Health, the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner Children’s has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for five consecutive years. For the ninth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ochsner Children's Hospital among the Top 50 Children’s Hospitals in the country. In 2025, Ochsner Children's Hospital ranked in cardiology and heart surgery and gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s Hospital is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Children’s Hospitals ranking in pulmonology and neonatology.