The Crusader Newspaper Group

Patient Saved by Impella Device and Heart & Vascular Team

methodist-logoWithin a few minutes after the heart stops, brain and the heart muscle are deprived of oxygen and valuable nutrition, causing irreversible damage. Hence the saying Time is Muscle and Brain. On August 29, 2016 Quinn Hochstetler, 55, was at work in Merrillville pouring concrete when he began to feel light-headed, so he decided to take a break and get some water to see if he would feel better. Shortly after, Quinn passed out and was unconscious. Ryan, Quinn’s co-worker, immediately began CPR while his supervisor, Rich, called 911. Emergency medical personnel arrived and continued life support on Quinn while he was being transported to the emergency room at Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus in Merrillville, Indiana.

PICTURED WITH THE Impella Technology at the Celebration of Life Event from left to right is Quinn Hochstetler, patient, and Dr. Mihas Kodenchery, Interventional Cardiologist.
PICTURED WITH THE Impella Technology at the Celebration of Life Event from left to right is Quinn Hochstetler, patient, and Dr. Mihas Kodenchery, Interventional Cardiologist.

The emergency room staff at Methodist Hospitals quickly discovered Quinn was in cardiogenic shock, a condition in which a weakened heart isn’t able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

He was stabilized in the intensive care unit and transferred to the Cath Lab and Dr. Mihas Kodenchery, Interventional Cardiologist, was called. The cath lab team was activated and the Impella device was utilized to keep his heart pumping. He was also initiated on hypothermic brain protection protocol (Quinn’s body was cooled to a low body temperature to minimize the brain damage from cardiac arrest).

“We are always looking for new technology to provide better outcomes for our patients. Impella is a mechanical pump that assists your heart and helps your heart pump blood when your heart is too weak. Quinn’s episode was caused by inflammation of the heart from a viral infection, rendering it as a weak and ineffective pump. After receiving temporary support from the Impella heart pump device and supportive treatment, he has fully recovered, without having to insert any stents or permanent devices. We were also able to preserve his brain functions intact in spite of the cardiac arrest,” said. Dr. Mihas Kodenchery, Interventional Cardiologist.

QUINN’S MOTHER MARILYN, wife Talia, Quinn, Ryan Strauch – the friend that administered CPR, and supervisor Rich Fitzsimmons, who called 911.
QUINN’S MOTHER MARILYN, wife Talia, Quinn, Ryan Strauch – the friend that administered CPR, and supervisor Rich Fitzsimmons, who called 911.

Impella is the world’s smallest heart pump, and is smaller than the width of a pencil. It can be inserted percutaneously (without surgery) through a small hole in the leg, up through the aorta into the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber of the heart. The Impella offers Protected PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) support when performing complex angioplasty and stent procedures in advanced heart failure and heart disease patients. Impella 2.5 is the only FDA-approved percutaneous hemodynamic support device determined to be safe and effective for the treatment of elective and urgent high risk patients.

The highly qualified heart and vascular specialist at Methodist Hospitals work together to provide the highest level of patient care. With the goal of providing the best cardiovascular care in NWI, the most advanced medical procedures are used to expertly diagnose and treat even the most complex cardiovascular conditions. Methodist Hospitals offers the very latest technologies, including five Cardiac Catherization labs at two campuses and a state-of –heart Electrophysiology Lab. The highly qualified heart and vascular specialist at Methodist Hospitals work together to provide the highest level of patient care.

 

Recent News

Scroll to Top