The Leslie Caoili amputations followed severe circulation loss after emergency surgery repaired a life-threatening tear in her aorta.
Caoili, a 41-year-old mother of two from Spring Valley, California, underwent the operation after doctors discovered a Type A aortic dissection during what her husband described as a routine heart checkup on May 1.
The emergency surgery saved her life, according to her family. Complications during her recovery, however, left her hands and feet without adequate blood flow. Doctors later amputated both hands at about the middle of her forearms and both legs.
Routine Appointment Revealed a Medical Emergency
Before May, Caoili was a competitive strength athlete who participated in events throughout San Diego. Her husband, Lee Caoili, said the couple did not expect the heart appointment to reveal an immediate threat to her life.
Doctors found a Type A dissection, a tear involving the ascending section of the aorta near the heart. The aorta is the body’s largest artery and carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Caoili underwent an emergency operation lasting about eight and a half hours to repair the damaged artery, according to ABC 10News San Diego.
Her husband said doctors told the family that immediate surgery was necessary and that Caoili may have had only hours to live without treatment.
Why a Type A Aortic Dissection Requires Immediate Surgery
An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner wall of the aorta. Blood can enter the wall and separate its layers, potentially causing the artery to rupture or reducing circulation to organs and limbs.
MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, describes aortic dissection as a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment.
Type A dissections affect the ascending aorta, the section closest to the heart. National cardiovascular guidelines recommend immediate surgical intervention because of the high risk of fatal complications.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines recommend emergency surgical consultation and immediate intervention for confirmed or suspected acute Type A dissections.
Loss of Circulation Led to Amputations
Although the operation repaired Caoili’s aorta, her family said she lost blood flow to her hands and feet during the weeks that followed.
Her husband said the family initially did not know how her body would respond. By the end of the first month, he said, the affected tissue had severely deteriorated.
Doctors eventually amputated Caoili’s hands at about the mid-forearm. She also underwent the amputation of both legs, ABC 10News reported.
The family’s public updates said Caoili also needed intensive medical support during her recovery, including ventilation, dialysis and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, commonly called ECMO. The machine temporarily supports heart and lung function in critically ill patients.
Caoili has remained hospitalized for several months while recovering from the original surgery and subsequent procedures.
Family Preparing Accessible Home
Caoili is now approaching discharge, but her family says their home is not equipped for her mobility and care needs.
Her husband is seeking skilled volunteers to help complete major repairs and accessibility modifications before she returns. The family is asking for assistance from carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, roofers, flooring installers and painters.
Lee Caoili said his wife wants to return to her children, dog and family and resume as much of her normal life as possible.
The couple has two daughters. Lee has remained with his wife during much of her months-long hospitalization while the family and local community have supported her recovery.
Fundraiser Supports Recovery and Home Modifications
The family established a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Leslie’s Family Through This Crisis”.
The fundraiser is intended to help with medical and rehabilitation costs, household expenses and the work required to create an accessible home environment.
Family updates posted through the campaign have documented Caoili’s progress, including reduced dependence on breathing support and dialysis, her return to eating and speaking, and preparations for leaving the hospital.
The family has said that Caoili’s recovery will require long-term rehabilitation and continued medical care. The upcoming home modifications are intended to give her a safer and more independent environment for the next stage of that recovery.