80-Year-Old Japanese Man Back Running His Textile Business  

Toshio Kato runs a small textile repair business outside Nagoya, Japan. 

One morning, Toshio was in pain and struggling to breathe. He decided to lay down but was still in a great deal of discomfort. His wife, Chiemi, then called an ambulance. 

Toshio was taken to Ichinomiyanishi Hospital, where Dr. Yosuke Miyamoto quickly determined that Toshio needed coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Given the complexity of the case, with Toshio having several blocked arteries, Dr. Miyamoto implanted Impella CP® with SmartAssist® to support Toshio's heart.

The surgery was a success, with Dr. Miyamoto saying there was “little stress” on Toshio’s heart. Impella® was removed and he was moved to rehab. A week later, after taking an ultrasound, Dr. Miyamoto said Toshio's heart had recovered, "like nothing he'd ever seen before."
 
Today, the 80-year-old grandfather is back enjoying time with his family, going for walks with his wife, as well as running his successful business.