Nursing Student survives Cardiogenic Shock Due to Viral Myocarditis

In December 2024, at 20 years old, Ainsley was diagnosed with the flu. When she began experiencing shortness of breath and sweating profusely, she went to her local urgent care. Recognizing she needed a higher level of care, she was transported to a local hospital where she was placed on ECMO support to help oxygenate her blood and provide circulation to her lungs. She was then transferred to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, for escalated care. Her medical team determined she was in cardiogenic shock, likely due to viral myocarditis with an ejection fraction of 5 percent. That’s when Dr. Candice Lee implanted the Impella CP^TM heart pump via her axillary artery to allow her heart to rest. While on Impella^TM and ECMO support, she ambulated and walked the ICU floor while under the supervision of her medical team. When Ainsley’s ejection fraction began to improve, ECMO and Impella were weaned and removed. After spending 12 days in the hospital, she returned home to her family.

Today, Ainsley is a patient care technician at Allegheny General Hospital and studying to be a nurse at Duquesne University. She is passionate about helping patients, including those who are on Impella support. When she’s not working, she enjoys making music playlists, thrifting, and spending time with her cats and dogs.

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.