Heart Recovery

The Field of Heart Recovery Has Begun

With today’s innovative technology there are minimally invasive treatment options that allow patients with complex heart disease and advanced heart failure to recover the function of their native heart. Here you can learn about the unique stories of people who were able to recover their own hearts. Each story is different, but all share a common message: heart recovery is possible.

Locate a Protected PCI Site

Patient Stories

Patient stories may not be typical. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances vary and response to therapy is not always the same. Please consult your physician or health care provider regarding your condition, treatment or if you have any specific questions regarding your care.

Video Testimonials

Written Testimonials

Entrepreneur Back in Business After Protected PCI Procedure

Rogelio is able to resume his very busy lifestyle due to the benefits of revascularization from Protected PCI with Impella®. When health issues began getting in the way of his routine, Rogelio decided to go see Dr. Theodore Schreiber at Detroit Medical Center. There, Dr. Schreiber examined Rogelio’s heart and discovered that he needed to act quickly. He then introduced Rogelio to Protected PCI.

Hope in the Heart of Texas

Justin Redman has lived with advanced heart disease for years, and considers himself to have “the worst heart you’ve ever seen.” So when his symptoms led him to see his cardiologist, the fear of undergoing another procedure was taking a toll. That’s when Protected PCI with Impella was first introduced to him.

A Protected Resolution

After a recent quadruple bypass procedure, Mary Watson felt little to no improvement in her discomfort. Since females experience different, often more subtle symptoms, it was difficult to determine the cause of her pain. Convinced something wasn’t right, she returned to Loma Linda University Medical Center where Dr. Hillard introduced Mary to Protected PCI.

Howard Pikstein
Detroit, MI

In 2008, Howard Pikstein made an appointment at Genesis Hospital to address his sleeping problems. After several tests and an angiogram, physicians determined that Howard had heart failure. In fact, the physicians said his heart was so weak that he would likely need a heart transplant. Howard’s sister, director of Cancer Services at William Beaumont Hospital in Detroit, served as his primary advocate and had heard about a randomized clinical trial called PROTECT II, which was enrolling patients undergoing high risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Howard transferred his records to William Beaumont, enrolled into Protect II, and was randomly selected to receive the Impella®. His interventional cardiologist, Dr. Simon Dixon, performed a high risk PCI procedure and was able to place three stents to open Howards 90% blocked left main artery. A few days later, Howard was discharged from the hospital feeling a near immediate improvement. He returned to work at Ford Motors in Detroit shortly thereafter and is still feeling well today.

Mary Watson
Phelan, CA

Mary Watson has a long history of heart disease in her family. After experiencing ongoing back pain and inability to exercise as she normally would, Mary scheduled an appointment with her cardiologist and found out that she needed coronary artery bypass graft surgery to repair three of her arteries. Just a few days later, she was in the surgery suite for her CABG procedure, which went well. One year later, her physician discovered that all three grafts were down and she would need a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to rotoblade the damaged grafts. The Impella® was placed to support her heart during the rotoblation procedure. She also received three stents, placed by her interventional cardiologist, Dr. Anthony Hilliard at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Today, Mary is able to walk around her large property with plenty of energy and has not experienced the back pain again.

Heart Recovery Advocates

Heart Recovery Advocates is a newly formed group of heart failure survivors who have been treated with Impella® therapy. They share their stories to educate others about the signs and symptoms of heart failure and treatment options.

Learn More

Heart Recovery Advocacy Day Video

Get In Touch

Are you interested in sharing your story of heart recovery? Would you like to learn more about how you can connect with the Heart Recovery Advocates? Message us today.

Contact Us

Talk with your cardiologist to find out if Impella® therapy is right for you.

Heart support and recovery technologies offer a new array of options and minimally invasive procedures for patients experiencing heart failure.

Use the Symptom Checklist and Doctor Discussion Guide to see if you may be appropriate for a Protected PCI with Impella®.

Talking With Your Cardiologist