Mother of Three Survives COVID-19 Myocarditis

Hillary Steffen, 34, a wife and mother of three, became extremely ill on November 15, 2021, after testing positive for COVID-19. At Salem Health Hospital in Salem, OR, she was diagnosed with severe congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock due to COVID-19 myocarditis, with an ejection fraction of less than 10%. Physicians implanted Impella CP^TM with SmartAssist^TM to allow her heart to rest and transported Hillary to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, OR. Cardiothoracic surgeon Kevin Koomalsingh and cardiologist Jacob Abraham escalated Hillary’s ventricular support to Impella 5.5^TM with SmartAssist^TM and her physicians discussed the possibility of a heart transplant with her family. 

However, after twelve days of support, her heart improved and Impella^TM was weaned and removed, allowing Hillary to return home to her family with her native heart. Today, Hillary’s ejection fraction is normal at 60% and she is grateful to resume her busy lifestyle with her husband and their three children.  

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.