Sam Selvam’s Journey to Heart Recovery

Sam Selvam, 50, is a father and corporate real estate consultant from Westwood, NJ. In early January 2022, Sam began experiencing what he thought was indigestion. He was not initially concerned since the symptom would come and go. On January 15, Sam's indigestion discomfort would not go away. He called 911 and ultimately went into cardiac arrest in front of two first responders outside of his home. Sam was transported to Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, NJ.

Medical staff worked to stabilize Sam but shortly after arriving to the emergency room, he arrested again. Recognizing he was in cardiogenic shock with an ejection fraction of 15 percent, medical teams transported Sam by helicopter to Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. Once in the catheterization lab, Dr. Michael Lim implanted Impella CP® to allow Sam’s heart to rest before placing a stent in his left anterior descending artery. After one day, Impella CP was removed and Dr. Yuriy Dudiy implanted Impella 5.5 for escalated support. After eight days, Sam’s heart function greatly improved and Impella 5.5 was weaned and removed. Less than two weeks later, he returned home to his family with his own heart.

Today, Sam is committed to living a healthier lifestyle. He is working full time and enjoys spending time with his two sons.