Patient Story

John Fisher's Journey to Heart Recovery

 

My name is John Fisher and I am 77 years old. I am a husband, father, and retired law enforcement officer from Ashland, OH. When I began experiencing severe chest pain following my recovery from COVID-19, my wife, Helen, drove me to a local hospital where tests confirmed I was having a heart attack. I was then transported by helicopter to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital in Mansfield, OH.

I was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and evaluated for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) but was turned down for surgery due to a low ejection fraction and multiple comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes. That’s when my physician, Dr. Atish Mathur, told me I was a candidate for a Protected PCI procedure with Impella®. He explained the Impella CP® with SmartAssist® heart pump would allow my heart to rest while he placed stents. Following the procedure, the pain in my chest was gone! Six days later, I returned home to my sweetheart and the love of my life, Helen. Today, my heart function is normal and I’m doing everything I’d normally do. I am able to work in my woodshop and stay active in my local community. I am always on the go!

Learn more about Impella® heart pumps

NPS-2797