Heart health saved: A patient’s experience with cutting-edge heart care

At 51 years old, Paul had always considered himself an active and healthy individual. He was used to feeling strong and energetic, so when a persistent burning sensation in his chest lingered for several weeks, it was a troubling but not entirely alarming symptom — until it wasn't.

Routine test leads to catheterization

One early Tuesday morning in March, Paul went in for a routine stress test at his local community hospital, hoping to get some answers. "I was just expecting to go in, get the test and get on with my day," he recalls. "But things took a very different turn."

The test revealed something concerning, and within moments, Paul was rushed to the cardiac operating room. A heart catheterization quickly followed, and it was there that the cardiologist gave him the shocking news: three severe blockages in his heart required immediate open heart surgery.

"I was stunned," Paul says. "I never imagined I'd be in that situation. I was confused and, honestly, devastated."

As Paul tried to process the diagnosis, a friend reached out with a lifeline: a recommendation to consult with the cardiology team at Lankenau Medical Center, part of Main Line Health, a renowned hospital known for its specialized heart care. The very next day, Paul met with a team of experts at Lankenau Medical Center, and the wheels of hope began to turn.

Exceptional heart care at Lankenau Medical Center

The team at Lankenau Medical Center presented Paul with a potential game-changing plan. Rather than jumping straight to open heart surgery, there was a chance that he could undergo a less invasive procedure.

"They explained that they might be able to treat my blockages with robotic heart bypass surgery, or, if I was fortunate, coronary stenting might be enough," Paul shares. "But they wouldn't know for sure until they got in there."

Within days, Paul was scheduled for the procedure, and what followed exceeded his expectations in every way. "I was incredibly fortunate," he reflects. "The procedure was a success, and thanks to the highly skilled doctors at Lankenau Medical Center, I was able to avoid surgery altogether. Instead of being opened up, I had stents placed to open the blockages-and the whole thing was over in a matter of hours."

Paul's recovery was swift and surprisingly smooth. "I went home the same day," he says. "No surgery, no long recovery."

The care, compassion and quick action of the team at Lankenau Medical Center made all the difference in Paul's journey. "I've never experienced care like this before," he says, still in awe of the team's expertise and dedication. "They gave me my life back."

Paul emphasizes the importance of seeking out the best care, especially when it comes to heart health. "Not all hospitals have the cutting-edge technology or the specialists who can offer these kinds of minimally invasive options. I was lucky to get a second opinion, and I truly believe it saved me from a much more invasive procedure."

For those facing heart concerns, Paul's advice is clear: "Where you go for heart care matters. Lankenau Medical Center provided me with exceptional care when I needed it most. If you have the chance, don't settle for anything less than the best."

Thanks to the expertise of the Lankenau Medical Center team, Paul is now back to living life with confidence and vitality. His experience is a powerful reminder that sometimes, a second opinion can be the key to a life-changing outcome.

Next steps:

Learn about your options for coronary artery disease treatment
Learn more about Heart and Vascular Care at Main Line Health
Making cardiac bypass surgery easier