E-mail pageHeart Patient Stories
Though our physicians and staff care for hundreds of patients during the course of a year, each patient's story is unique. We're proud to share some of our patients' stories with you.
Heart Failure Surgery
Team Approach to Heart Failure Care Restores Quality of Life
Daniel Kusek has faced several heart problems and has undergone surgery, medical therapy, and catheter ablation to keep his heart failure in check. At each turn, the coordinated care provided by his University of Chicago physician team enabled Kusek to get back to enjoying life with family and friends. "I am a living example of the amazing technology and care that physicians at the Medical Center provide," he said.
Ventricular Reconstruction & Quadruple Bypass Surgery: Julia's Story
A ventricular reconstruction procedure plus bypass surgery helped Julia get her life back on track after she survived a heart attack. The surgery helped to restore the conical shape of her heart so that it could pump blood more efficiently, giving Julia renewed energy. Video included.
Heart Valve Surgery
Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery: William's Story
Because William previously had two open-heart surgeries, his doctors were worried he would not survive another operation he need for a badly functioning mitral valve. William's doctors referred him to the University of Chicago Medical Center for minimally invasive heart valve surgery, an approach that resulted in a faster recovery and a lower risk for complications. Video included.
Transplant Surgery
Heart Transplant Recipient Gives Back to Those That Saved His Life
Following a massive heart attack, Michigan construction worker Larry Bybee received a heart transplant on his 50th birthday. In 2009, he served as grand marshal for the Medical Center's team at the downtown Chicago American Heart Association Heart Walk.
Heart Transplant Reunion: A Time to Celebrate a Second Chance at Life
Two years after Larry Matthews had a heart transplant, he realized his dream of becoming a firefighter. Matthews, as well as many other transplant recipients, their families, transplant physicians and staff celebrated the gift of organ donation at the annual heart transplant reunion. Also in attendance were people awaiting transplant surgery.
Heart-Kidney Transplant: Kenneth's Story
After being turned down for transplant by six different hospitals, Kenneth Woodka looked to the University of Chicago Medical Center for help. Soon after he arrived, Kenneth had a successful heart-kidney transplant. Video included.
Triple Transplant Recipient Is Going Strong
Four years after having a heart-kidney-liver transplant, Michael Gaynor feels energetic and is helping others cope with life before and after transplant.
Teamwork Renders Historic Triple Transplant Successful
Kent Slater was the second person in the world to have a triple transplant in which three totally different organ systems were involved. Valluvan Jeevanandam, MD, transplanted the heart in this life-saving heart, kidney, and liver transplant operation.
Pediatric Heart Care
Early Detection Gives Baby an Excellent Chance
Kim Rasmussen was pregnant with her third child when a routine ultrasound showed a possible abnormality in the fetus' heart. Pediatric cardiologist Brojendra Agarwala, MD, diagnosed the problem.
