John Fisher's Journey to Heart Recovery

My name is John Fisher and I am a husband, father and retired law enforcement professional from Ashland, OH. At age 77, I experienced severe chest pain following my recovery from COVID-19, my wife, Helen, drove me to a local hospital where tests confirmed I was having a heart attack. I was then transported by helicopter to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital in Mansfield, OH.

I was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and evaluated for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) but was turned down for surgery due to a low ejection fraction and multiple comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes. That’s when my physician, Dr. Atish Mathur, told me I was a candidate for a Protected PCI procedure with Impella®. He explained the Impella CP® with SmartAssist® heart pump would allow my heart to rest while he placed stents. Following the procedure, the pain in my chest was gone! Six days later, I returned home to my sweetheart and the love of my life, Helen. Today, my heart function is normal and I’m doing everything I’d normally do. I am able to work in my woodshop and stay active in my local community. I am always on the go!

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.