Every day, our heart and vascular health care team makes a difference in the lives of our patients.
The stories below profile some of the patients who came to UPMC for heart and vascular care.
Note: These patients' treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
After experiencing a life-threatening fall, Alex was rushed to the hospital where doctors discovered an aortic transection. This condition is characterized by a tear in the descending thoracic aorta, the major artery carrying blood from the heart to the body. At UPMC, he underwent emergent vascular surgery to repair his aorta. Through hard work and determination, Alex has emerged from his recovery stronger than before and is living life to the fullest.
Moving to Western Pennsylvania to be closer to family turned out to be the right decision for William Bisson in more ways than one. When a sudden vascular event occurred, William was close enough to UPMC Northwest to seek care. These days, he's back to spending time with his family, thanks to the Division of Vascular Surgery at UPMC.
After developing numbness and discoloration in his leg, Edward decided to seek care. When he was diagnosed with a recurrent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), experts at the UPMC Center for Aortic Disease ensured that Edward received advanced, long-term management and care for his complex condition.
Lois developed numbness in her hand following shoulder surgery and was diagnosed with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).
John knew he chose the right team when he underwent valve therapy treatment with Dr. Ibrahim Sultan at UPMC Shadyside. When a sudden abdominal aortic aneurysm occurred, John and his family turned back to UPMC Shadyside and the HVI team, including Dr. Efthymios Avgerinos, to save his life.
Michelle Betts struggled with pain and swelling in her leg for years before she sought help at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
Nearly a decade ago, Amy was suddenly diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome and deep vein thrombosis at the age of 36.
Abby had ongoing problems with blood clots until she sought help from the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
Throughout his lifetime, Tom has completed more than 100 marathons. But after a blocked artery in his leg put a stop to his running, Tom turned to UPMC to get him back on his feet.
Norman, an avid runner, felt severe pain in his leg and went to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with limb-threatening ischemia.
Christine Noel sought care at UPMC Vein Centers when the wound on her leg wouldn't heal. Working with both the Vein Centers and the Lymphedema Program to address the dysfunctional veins and lymphedema in her leg, Christine is now back to her active life.
Leo had severe leg pain before coming to UPMC, where doctors diagnosed him with an Aneurysm in his right popliteal artery.
Rick had two infected aneurysms and got urgent treatment at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
Tomas, a National Hockey League goalie, had a massive blood clot in his leg and pelvis, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Olivia struggled with a swollen foot for years before coming to UPMC, where doctors diagnosed her with May-Thurner syndrome.
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