LVAD Gives Ted Second Chance After Heart Failure

Ted was transferred from another hospital to Memorial Regional Hospital because he had heart and kidney failure. Chances were high that he wouldn’t make it according to his doctor, Iani Patsias, MD, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute.

About two months later, Ted’s kidneys started to work and he became strong enough to receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to help his heart pump blood. Hospitalized for nearly four months, he’s made great progress.

I feel like I could go running around and do anything,” Ted said. “I have to remind myself that I actually have a pump in my heart.”

“To me it means there’s a second chance,” said Patty, Ted’s wife. “He's still guiding his children and me. Memorial saved his life. They never gave up.”

“We provide patient- and family-centered care,” said Lisa Gil, RN, VAD coordinator. “We're there for them in their toughest times, and we lead with heart, always.”