Indiana Woman Thrives After Being Referred for a Protected PCI

Lisa Smitley, a mother and grandmother from Madison, IN, began experiencing severe shortness of breath in 2017 at the age of 60. While working at a dry cleaners, she became so weak that she was unable to retrieve clothing off the rack for customers. On March 18, 2017, Lisa drove herself to the hospital, where she was admitted. Lisa was told she had blockages in her heart and possibly needed open-heart surgery, but the physician preferred that she see a different cardiologist. Lisa was transferred to another hospital and admitted for further evaluation. Again, Lisa was told she would need to consult another cardiologist and that her heart needed time to recover before she could endure a procedure.

Shortly after, while still in the hospital, Lisa suffered a stroke. She was eventually discharged, and the hospital scheduled an outpatient cardiology appointment for the following month. During her appointment, the cardiologist, Dr. Juan Ortiz, told Lisa he was unable to treat her, but referred her to an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Michael Flaherty. On May 1, 2017, Dr. Flaherty performed a Protected PCI with Impella CP^™ to clear Lisa’s blockages and place multiple stents. At the time of her procedure, her EF was 10%. The following day, Lisa was discharged home and today she has normal heart function with an ejection fraction of 60%. Lisa is thankful to be alive and have her quality of life back so she can enjoy spending time with her family, friends, and crossing items like zip lining off her bucket list.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. There are potential risks, these risks need to be discussed with your doctor and recovery takes time. The success of this procedure depends on many factors, including your physical condition and your body’s ability to tolerate the procedure. Use care in the selection of your doctors and hospital, based on their skill and experience.