With University of Michigan Heart Surgeons on staff and a full Cardiovascular protocol in place, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center is rapidly changing the landscape of local cardiac care. In the past 12 months Crittenton has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for received certification as a Primary Stroke Center and received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. It was the latter designation that mattered most to Alice Palmer of Rochester.
Mrs. Palmer had been experiencing many classic cardiac symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Two weeks ago, she suffered a heart attack and was brought to Crittenton. After being stabilized in the Emergency Room, Mrs. Palmer was given her diagnosis: Aortic stenosis and left main coronary artery stenosis. “Her heart valve and coronary arteries were severely calcified restricting blood flow. Left untreated this condition would have been fatal,” said Frank Fazzalari, MD, MBA, FACS, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Crittenton and Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan.
Two days after entering the hospital, Mrs. Palmer underwent lifesaving aortic valve replacement and an arterial bypass from Dr. Fazzalari. Because of the proximity of these procedures, Dr. Fazzalari was able to minimize the incision, thereby reducing her discomfort and recuperation time.
Four days after surgery, Alice Palmer was ready to go home. Perhaps what makes her story more amazing is that Alice is 91 years old! “Age is not always a contra indication for surgery,” said Dr. Fazzalari. “Her general health is excellent and we will be releasing her without restriction.”
“I like to stay busy cooking and cleaning, visiting with my nieces and nephews and walking the track at the Older Person’s Commission in Rochester,” explained Mrs. Palmer. “I also enjoy a little glass of wine before bedtime.”
About Tom and Ann Gendich