PCI Patient Success Stories

PCI is a non-surgical procedure that uses catheters and tiny wires to treat narrowing (stenosis) of the coronary arteries of the heart found in coronary artery disease. It offers an alternative to bypass surgery and a treatment option for people with angina who have no other options.

Henry Ford Hospital is the most experienced medical center in Michigan and the upper Midwest for chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO PCI). This advanced procedure uses catheters (thin tubes) and tiny wires to drill through or around complete blockages. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to heart bypass surgery that can significantly shorten hospital stays, recovery time and pain. CTO PCI also is available to a wide variety of heart patients, including those who may have been told there are no other options for them.

We have achieved a 90 percent success rate for CTO PCI – one of the highest in the world – and we have pioneered new advancements and experienced some of the most challenging cases, like those featured in these patient stories.

Finding New Hope

When Emma was told there was no way to treat her heart blockages without open heart surgery, she lost hope. She found it again at Henry Ford Health.

 

An Unexpected Journey

When Colleen met with the Henry Ford Health team for her chest pain, she was rushed in for the first of many procedures. Now, she’s enjoying an unexpected retirement.

 

Right Place, Right Time

Ten years after having heart bypass surgery near his home in Indiana, Gary experienced severe chest pain during a Michigan vacation. Two hospitals weren’t able to treat him, so Gary was referred to Henry Ford for two advanced procedures that saved his life.

 

A New Outlook on Life

After multiple heart attacks and bypass surgeries, Robert turned to our team for a minimally invasive alternative offered by few hospitals.

 

Getting Back to Normal

After discovering his previous heart bypass was now 100% blocked, Larry traveled from Chicago to meet with cardiologist Khaldoon Alaswad. Within days he was treated with chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention and is back to normal things, like tending to his yard.

 

Living Without Restrictions

When his latest stent procedure failed, Evan was given a few options, none of which fit his active lifestyle. He found a better option at Henry Ford.