Heart 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
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.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
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.
Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB)
Breakthrough Closed-Chest Heart Bypass Surgery Speeds Recovery
David Wunch traveled from Tulsa to Chicago to have totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery (TECAB), an advanced way to perform bypass surgery without opening the chest. Video included.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery an Easier Way
Sharon Jackson can speak from experience when comparing closed-chest totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery (TECAB) to traditional, open procedures because she has had both types of bypass surgeries. To Sharon, TECAB is the "better way to go, most definitely."
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 cardiologists Brojendra Agarwala, MD, and Peter Koenig, MD, diagnosed the problem.
