Anesthesiologist and Physician Enjoys Retirement After Protected PCI Procedure

71-year-old Jeffrey Morray, MD, a retired pediatric anesthesiologist and critical care physician, had a family history of heart disease, but was in good health prior to the COVID-19 lockdown in the state of Washington. With his gym closed, Jeff began riding his bike to stay active. When he began feeling pain in his chest and jaw while riding uphill, he made an appointment with his primary care physician who then referred him to a cardiologist. A subsequent angiogram showed lesions in three vessels, including his left anterior descending artery (LAD). While open-heart surgery was an option, his son, Brian Morray, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital, recommended he seek a second opinion. 

Jeff was referred to an interventional cardiologist who introduced a Protected PCI procedure with the Impella® heart pump. Jeff decided this minimally invasive procedure would allow for a faster recovery. The interventional cardiologist inserted the Impella CP® to allow Jeff’s heart to rest while performing a complete revascularization. Jeff was discharged home the following day with normal heart function. 

Today, Jeff is back to biking, golfing, and working in his woodshop. More than anything, he’s enjoying time with his wife, Barb, two children, and four grandchildren.