Pam arrived at the hospital for a routine colon surgery. However, two days post surgery, she experienced heartburn, which was not relieved with medication. Physicians discovered that Pam was having a heart attack and was going into cardiac arrest. She was referred to cardiac surgery for a bypass. As her heart started to fail, physicians placed the Impella to help take over the pumping action of her heart. After the procedure, Pam continued to show improvement on the Impella device as it helped to unload her heart as it rested. Now, Pam is doing great and has not experienced any other heart complications since her surgery.

—Pam Anderson, 56, received the Impella in 2010

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“After experiencing a heart attack, my heart was left very weak and barely able to function. Due to my risky condition, I was not a surgery candidate, so Dr. O’Leary utilized the Impella 2.5 during a minimally invasive stent procedure. Impella helped restore and improve my heart function. As a result, I returned home with my own heart and am now able to truly enjoy every moment with my family again.”

—Chad Kimpel, 41, received the Impella in 2009

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In late September, 69-year-old Robert Pasquariella was experiencing chest pains and was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to be treated for heart failure. Doctors discovered that the retired licensed electrician had three of his major vessels blocked, and diagnosed him with pericarditis, which is an inflammation of the pericardium (the thin layer of tissue that covers the outer surface of the heart). According to Robert, doctors said that his heart was covered in fluid. In addition to his condition, his arteries had been blocked for quite a while. Doctors didn’t know how his heart was beating and the nurses called him a “Miracle Man”.

Robert was at Mass General for one-week before open-heart surgery. Prior to his surgery, he was induced into a coma. The Impella 5.0 was placed during the surgery to completely take over the pumping action of the heart and allow his heart to rest during the surgery. After the surgery, Robert was brought to ICU and remained in a coma for a week and a half. He stayed in the ICU for 4 – 5 weeks and was then taken to a step-down unit, where he had an incredibly speedy recovery and began walking almost immediately. The doctors and nurses said he was very strong and was recovering much quicker than they anticipated. He was discharged from the hospital on October 30.

Since his discharge, Robert has felt 100% better. He led a healthy lifestyle to begin with but has now been able to enjoy regular activities without experiencing the chest pains that had been occurring for the past two years.

—Robert Pasquariella, 69, received the Impella in 2009

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Frank Jandecka began experiencing recurring heart attacks when he was 42. He underwent multiple heart surgeries but learned that his heart muscle, broken and weak from end-stage coronary artery disease, did not have the ability to heal. Doctors at Centennial Medical Center told Frank that a new device was available that would allow his heart to rest and remain protected while he underwent a risky angioplasty. Frank agreed. Just a few weeks later after his procedure with Impella support, the chipper 56-year-old said he felt 20 years younger, has lower blood pressure and doesn’t get winded with daily activities.

—Frank Jandecka, 56, received the Impella in 2008

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“Immediately after my heart attack, doctors informed my family that Impella was my best chance of survival to help support my heart function during those critical hours. I had anticipated a long and slow recovery; however, I was discharged just days after the procedure. Now, nearly two years after my heart attack, I am enjoying life with more energy and motivation, all with my own heart.”

—Dan Wolpert, 42, received the Impella in 2008

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On the morning of March 27, 2008, Scarlette Harper woke up gasping for breath. An active adult who walked every day and had no prior history of heart complications, Scarlette wasn’t sure what was wrong, but knew it was serious. Doctors discovered that Scarlette had viral myocarditis, which led to a precipitous decline in cardiac function. Despite inotropic drugs and IABP support, Scarlette continued to deteriorate, and both sides of her heart began to fail. As she slipped further into cardiogenic shock, Scarlette’s surgeons at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, decided to implant the AB5000. Now Scarlette has fully recovered her heart, recently returned to school to complete her master’s degree in Human Relations and currently works as a social worker.

—Scarlette Harper, 42, received the AB5000 in 2008

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Five Years Later…Heart is
Still Recovered and Healthy

“The Abiomed heart pump was a critical part of my survival and recovery— without it, my heart never would have had the opportunity to rest and recover its function.

I have no restrictions related to my surgery. I lead a completely normal life with my own heart. I am able to work full time, keep up with two active dogs, travel to visit friends and family, play softball, and lead a very active lifestyle.”

—Melissa Moser, 26, received the AB5000 in 2006

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Veronica Salas developed viral myocarditis over Christmas 2005 and recovered 12 days later with the help of Bi-VAD BVS 5000T. Dr. Dominic Tedesco at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, CA, implanted Bi-VAD BVS 5000, which supported her heart for 12 days. She was transferred to UCLA, for further care, where her heart recovered. She is now back at home with her family and looking forward to becoming an elementary school teacher.

—Veronica Salas, 34, received the BVS in 2005

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“In the early days after my heart attack in the summer of 2004, it would have been impossible for me to imagine my life today. I felt that my life as I knew it was over. Today when I look back, I am grateful for all the things that allowed me to resume life with no limitations. My thanks go to all of the people involved in my care and to Abiomed for giving them the tools to save my life.

Over the past six years, I was able to witness my daughter’s graduation, be part of my son’s wedding and stand by my wife in her time of medical need. The value of keeping my own heart and these added memories has been priceless.”

—Phil Stauffer, 60, received the AB5000 in 2004

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In 1998, Heather Link was a vibrant, 13-year-old champion swimmer from Buffalo, NY. After returning from a routine dental cleaning, she began experiencing flu-like symptoms. She saw her primary care physician, who diagnosed with her the flu. However, the symptoms persisted and as Heather lost weight and got worse, her mother decided to take her to Brigham and Women’s Hospital for a second opinion. It was there that doctors discovered Heather had contracted endocarditis, which is an inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium). As a result, Heather underwent five heart surgeries and received a VAD to recover her heart. Now, at age 25, Heather is still that very same vibrant young girl and is a first grade teacher in Buffalo. She has never had to return to the hospital for heart-related issues. However, if doctors hadn’t discovered that she had endocarditis and her mother hadn’t taken her for a second opinion, her fate may have been different.

—Heather Link, 25, received the BVS 5000 in 1998

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