SSM Heart Institute interventional cardiologist Manoj Eapen, MD, performed the first minimally invasive Impella procedure within SSM Health Care―St. Louis on May 23, 2011 at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center in Richmond Heights, Mo. Now, all five SSM Heart Institute locations are equipped to use the Impella, a tiny, sophisticated heart pump that can dramatically improve blood flow for those with weakened hearts.
"The Impella procedure allows us to do minimally invasive interventions on patients who were previously too high risk for traditional angioplasty procedures," said John Kilgore, MD, SSM Heart Institute director.
Dr. Eapen’s first Impella procedure was a tremendous success for patient Willie Jones, who suffered his first heart attack while at SSM St. Mary's for a non-heart-related procedure. Dr. Eapen was fortunately in close proximity and helped save his life.
Jones had several operations in the 11 months since his heart attack. Still, two blockages remained, creating severe left ventricle issues.
"Before I even came out of there, my breathing was much easier," said Jones, who is an active, 79-year-old father and grandfather.
The Impella is used during an angioplasty procedure to help pump blood for a patient with a weakened heart. This allows the patient to maintain stable vital signs during an angioplasty procedure, reduces risk factors associated with weaker hearts, and dramatically improves the odds for a successful outcome.
The Impella pulls blood from the left ventricle through an inlet area near the tip and expels blood from the catheter into the ascending aorta. The pump can be inserted via a standard catheterization procedure through the femoral artery in the leg, up to the ascending aorta and into the heart, across the valve and into the left ventricle. The device remains in the left ventricle to assist with blood flow until the cardiac catheterization is complete.
About SSM Heart Institute
A service of SSM Health Care – St. Louis, SSM Heart Institute is the St. Louis region’s most experienced provider of comprehensive heart care. A team of more than 100 skilled cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons provides the most advanced treatment, advanced techniques and unparalleled experience for the best clinical outcomes. Combined with expert nursing and technical staff, this team offers a full range of services to prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease. SSM Heart Institute services are available at five SSM hospitals located in St. Louis and St. Charles counties. For more information, go to www.ssmhealth.com/heart.
About SSM St. Mary’s Health Center
Conveniently located in Richmond Heights, Mo., SSM St. Mary's Health Center is a contemporary, 525-bed hospital with distinctive capabilities in high-risk obstetrical services, fetal surgery, state-of-the-art heart surgery, a chest pain center, advanced stroke care, and the latest imaging and outpatient services. Also a teaching hospital, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center is home to an accredited internal medicine residency program and to Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Practice residency programs. SSM St. Mary's Health Center is winner of the Premier QUEST High Performing Hospital award. It is a member of SSM Health Care – St. Louis, a Missouri Quality Award winner. To learn more, visit www.ssmhealth.com/stmarys.