After Being Turned Down for Surgery, John Fisher Was Introduced To Protected PCI

John Fisher, 77, is a husband, father, and retired law enforcement officer from Ashland, OH. In December 2020, when he experienced severe chest pain following his recovery from COVID-19, his wife, Helen, drove him to a local hospital. John was quickly transported by helicopter to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital in Mansfield, OH, for escalated care.  

John was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and evaluated for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). He was turned down for surgery due to a low ejection fraction (~15%) and multiple comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes. However, interventional cardiologist Dr. Atish Mathur determined John was a candidate for a Protected PCI procedure with Impella® heart pumps. Dr. Mathur inserted the Impella CP® with SmartAssist® heart pump to allow John’s heart to rest while he performed a complete revascularization. Six days later, John returned home with his own heart. Today, John’s heart function is normal (55%) and he has more energy than he’s had in years. He’s able to walk his dogs, continue his passion for woodworking and enjoy time with his family.