Maze rebounds after open-heart surgery

Maze had open-heart surgery in 2024 to fix a heart defect.

Maze Crooks of Bay Village was born with a heart defect called a “secundum atrial septal defect (ASD).” This is a hole in the middle of the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.

Maze’s aunt and uncle, Amy and Ray Cebulis, began caring for him around age 2. They became Maze’s legal guardians when he was 4. “When he came to us, we knew he would eventually need surgery to fix the heart defect,” she recalled. “Maze had to reach 45 pounds, so we needed to get him healthy and work on his nutrition. That was a challenge, but we finally got there.”

Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. John Lane has been caring for Maze since age 2. Dr. Lane monitored Maze’s heart with regular tests until he reached the weight requirement. “Dr. Lane has been awesome,” Amy said. “He’s the nicest person and the nicest doctor. He always explained everything perfectly, so we understood what would be happening.”

Based on preoperative images, Maze seemed to be a good candidate for repair done through a catheter. This would provide a less invasive option than open-heart surgery. “When Maze went to the cath lab for the procedure, the hole was too large to repair with the catheter device,” Dr. Lane explained. “We scheduled him for open-heart surgery instead.”

Pivoting to open-heart surgery

Although Amy knew open-heart surgery was the second option, it still shocked her to hear the news. “I knew Maze was in good hands, but my heart just sank,” she said. “That’s scary stuff right there. You only have one heart.”

Maze returned for surgery a few weeks later, performed by Cardiovascular Surgeons Tara Karamlou and Robert Stewart. “Maze was such a trouper, and the Heart Center team almost made it like an adventure for him,” Amy said. “When he woke up from surgery, the first thing he wanted to eat was a cheeseburger. And he did!”

The first thing Maze wanted after surgery was a cheeseburger.

The Heart Center nurses prepared Amy and Ray for Maze’s discharge the following day. “I didn’t think there was any chance he’d go home the day after surgery,” she said. “Maze was on morphine right after surgery. Then the nurses explained how alternating Tylenol and Motrin around the clock would manage his pain at home. The nurse who gave homegoing instructions answered our questions, never made me feel rushed and made sure I understood what to expect.”

Maze’s brother and sister, Nick and Caitlin, had the couch all set up for his comfort at home. “Maze was excited to be home, and they were so happy to see him,” Amy said. “We had to remind Maze that he wasn’t allowed to wrestle with Nick. He rebounded so well that I called the Heart Center the next day for reassurance that I wasn’t missing something.” 

Maze enjoys the comforts of home after being discharged from the hospital.

No limits

Maze had to wait 6 weeks before returning to gym class, and it took a few months for him to regain his strength after surgery. But he’s been unstoppable since then, returning to favorite activities including rock wall climbing and boating with his family. “Maze likes to swim, throw the football with Nick and ride his bike,” Amy said. “He also plays on an indoor flag football team. He just doesn’t stop.”

Nearly a year and a half since surgery, Maze eats well and has gained weight. “It seemed like forever to get him to the 45-pound minimum for surgery,” Amy said. “Now, he eats and eats – and the weight stays on him. He even has a little belly, which we never expected.”

Maze, with siblings Nick and Caitlin, has made great strides since surgery.

People who don’t know Maze’s background are surprised to learn he had open-heart surgery to fix a defect. “It’s an amazing story because he wasn’t as healthy as he should’ve been when he came to live with us,” Amy shared. “Today, he’s a typical 9-year-old boy. He may be on the low end of the growth charts, but he’s making good progress.”

Maze will return to the Heart Center every few years for checkups throughout childhood. “He will be a candidate for our adult congenital heart program when he reaches adulthood,” Dr. Lane said. “His family has been a pleasure to work with over the years. One of the best parts of my job is seeing patients like Maze doing so well.”