Lithonia resident Michael Gilmore became the first heart transplant patient in the world to receive simultaneous treatment with two ventricular assist devices, according to the device manufacturers. The procedure took place at Piedmont Hospital in December 2008 when 36-yearold Gilmore was admitted for allograft (heart) rejection and cardiac shock following a September 2006 heart transplant.

Piedmont’s dedicated cardiovascular team provided a unique bridge to recovery using ventricular assist devices to temporarily reduce the workload of Gilmore’s heart.  The procedure was led by transplant cardiologist Nirav Raval, M.D., and assisted by Vivek Rajagopal, M.D. 

“The team concept at Piedmont Heart Institute is what led to our success,” Dr. Raval says. “We drew upon the talents and expertise of everyone to save this patient’s life. I have the transplant knowledge. Dr. Rajagopal is an expert on inserting the devices. Our physician assistant, Gregg Steahr, and his critical care service provided the 24/7 attention Mr. Gilmore needed.”

Dr. Rajagopal first inserted an Abiomed Impella 2.5 partial ventricular assist device, known as “the world’s smallest heart pump,” to divert blood from the left ventricle to the aorta and the rest of the body, allowing the ventricle to rest. However, because of additional right ventricle failure, he also inserted a second device, a CardiacAssist TandemHeart ventricular assist system, to redirect blood to an external pump and back to the pulmonary artery. Together, the two devices rested the patient’s left and right ventricles for approximately two weeks while life-saving anti-rejection medicine targeted lymphocytes that were causing the rejection of his transplanted heart.

“Advances in technology have given our patients and cardiologists the precious gift of time,” notes Dr. Rajagopal.  “When the heart is completely failing, we can bring our patients back from the brink of death and give them a chance to recover.”

Speaking of the medical significance of Gilmore’s experience, Dr. Raval adds, “This procedure clearly saved his life and should be considered a viable option for others who suffer from the same condition.” Gilmore has high praise for the entire Piedmont team, but singles out the nursing staff in particular.

“When I was down and didn’t feel like talking, they would come in and ask me about my family and my kids,” he says. “They reminded me that I had a life to get back home to. Everyone worked so hard to keep me going and get me up and out of there.”

In February, he went back to visit the nurses who had cared for him. “They were so happy and surprised to see me come walking in. I’m doing well and feeling good. I wouldn’t want to wish my experience on anyone. But, looking back on it, I feel like I had a purpose.”