82-Year-Old Woman Enjoys Improved Quality of Life

Mary Hanel, 82, from Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, had double bypass surgery in 1985 and resumed normal life until a few years ago when her quality of life rapidly deteriorated. Mary had a persistent cough and shortness of breath, but when she began noticing pressure on her chest and pain in her arm, she decided to see Dr. Yaron Bareket, a cardiologist at Hackensack Medical Center. Dr. Bareket identified severe blockages in Mary’s heart, but explained she was too high-risk for surgery and referred her to interventional cardiologist, Dr. Adam Raskin. Dr. Raskin and the heart team at Hackensack evaluated her case and recommended Protected PCI with the Impella CP^TM heart pump.

On October 12, 2018, Dr. Raskin implanted the Impella CP^TM device, cleared blockages, and placed stents. The following day, Mary was discharged home. Today, Mary feels better than she has in years. She exercises three days a week and is back to traveling with her husband. Her husband now calls her the “dynamo” because of her endless energy.

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.