Samuel A. Kojoglanian, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Tracey was transported from her hospital room to the radiology suite where she was going to get a PICC line (a secure IV line). While moving from her gurney to the radiology bed, she had a sudden cardiac arrest.

Tracey was no stranger to the hospital scene. Two year ago she had complications from a leg surgery, requiring hospitalization for over 6 months. Four years ago I had placed stents in her heart arteries. Because of her diabetes, her heart condition got worse and she ultimately needed a bypass surgery. She had cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle) and her strength to move was zapped.

This time she was admitted for leg swelling and because she had difficult IV access, she was getting a PICC line. Right before the procedure, she flat lined. A team of experts surrounded her and administered CPR. She was taken to the ICU and within 48 hours, miraculously bounced back.

The “horsepower” of her heart was weak and I advised we get an AICD (automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator). If she were to have an arrest at home this special pacemaker would “zap” her out of a threatening heart rhythm and bring her back to life. But there was a big problem. She had a terrible leg infection and her blood was too thin. We needed a “bridge” to help us out, something to carry us to the day of the AICD implant so we can weather the storms.

I called a company that provided us with an “external” defibrillator, which does the same thing as an AICD, but one wears it throughout the day as a “life-vest.” This jacket bought us 3 weeks till her infection was cleared and her condition stabilized. The AICD was placed and Tracy is bouncing back like a champ.

Life doesn’t offer us the ideal situations every day. At times our circumstances require improvising without giving up; compromising without selling out; substituting without caving in; and sacrificing without going down. At times we need a “jacket” or “life vest” instead of the “real deal.” Storms are inevitable. What we see is partial. Our resolve is essential. Our attitude, respectful. And our fortitude, unshakable.

Posted in: Blog.
Last Modified: September 26, 2014