Retired Preschool Teacher Thriving After Receiving Impella RP Flex Support

Consuelo Carrillo is a retired preschool teacher who has a history of heart disease, including a mitral valve repair in 2009. When she and her husband retired in 2017, they returned to their native country of Ecuador. In June 2022, at the age of 71, Consuelo was diagnosed with pneumonia and began experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling in her legs. When her symptoms did not improve, she returned to the United States and was referred to Dr. Mark Anderson at Hackensack Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ.

Tests revealed Consuelo had rheumatic heart disease and was in heart failure. On November 8, Dr. Anderson implanted Impella RP Flex^TM with SmartAssist^TM to allow her heart to rest while he replaced her mitral valve and repaired her tricuspid valve. While on support, Consuelo ambulated and walked the unit. Four days later, Impella^TM was weaned and removed. After 18 days, Consuelo walked out of the hospital with her family.

Today, Consuelo has returned to Ecuador and she feels better than she has in years. She’s enjoying retirement and spending time with her family. 

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.