Download the November/December 2012 Issue - Bayshore ...

A Dire Situation
A heart attack alone is life threatening for any patient. It
occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.
This results in a lack of oxygen, and the heart muscle is
damaged and can die. Paired up with the aneurysm, Jerry’s
situation was extremely dire.
Frank Sharp, M.D., a vascular surgeon at Ocean Medical
Center, explains that an aneurysm is a bulging section in the
wall of a blood vessel. “Imagine that your artery is a hose
that carries blood from your heart to your legs. Now picture
a section of the hose with a bulge that is filled with blood
and is ready to burst,” he continues. “Aneurysms are very
serious because they usually don’t show symptoms until
they rupture. Even if you get to a hospital, it’s about a
50/50 chance between life and death.”
Jerry had several things on his side that fateful day.
First, he was physically fit and in otherwise good health.
Second, an extraordinary team of specialists who are
part of Meridian CardioVascular Network were readily
available to perform lifesaving procedures right at Jerry’s
local hospital. And third, Ocean Medical Center has
the advanced technology of a state-of-the-art hybrid
endovascular suite that enabled the doctors to perform
two intricate procedures, back to back, all in one room.
Collaborating on an “Amazing” Case
Two teams of doctors took turns saving Jerry’s life. First,
interventional cardiologist Rayson Yang, M.D., performed
an emergency angioplasty to open Jerry’s arteries. Under a
local anesthetic, Jerry was in a relaxed state as the doctor
threaded a special device into his blocked artery and
restored the blood flow to his heart.
As soon as Jerry’s heart was stabilized, Dr. Sharp and his
vascular team traded places with Dr. Yang’s team and set
to work on the aneurysm repair. The teams spent several
hours in the endovascular suite, collaborating on one of
the most miraculous cases they had experienced in years.
“This is truly an amazing case,” says Dr. Yang. “It was
great to see Jerry sitting up and feeling pretty good
when I checked on him later that evening.” Within a few
Frank J. Sharp, M.D.
Board certified in Vascular and General Surgery
Brick • 732-202-1500
Rayson Yang, M.D.
Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional
Cardiology, and Internal Medicine
Neptune • 732-776-8500
days, Jerry was home again, resting and preparing for
Thanksgiving dinner with his family.
In retrospect, the doctors determined that the pain was
the result of the ruptured aneurysm, which precipitated
the heart attack. “This shows how far technology has
come,” notes Dr. Sharp. “If it were a few years ago, he
probably wouldn’t have survived these circumstances.”
“The doctors and nurses took great care of me and kept
my family informed throughout the entire ordeal,” says Jerry.
While his wife, Nancy, was by his side in the hospital and an
integral part of his recovery process, she passed away in the
spring. “Things have changed, but I’ve learned to adjust my
diet and keep active,” Jerry says. “I try to walk each day, play
golf, and also write two columns and proofread the Pine
Cone Press community newsletter.” • — Donna Sellmann
Cooking with Heart for the Holidays
We’re sharing the secrets for favorite holiday dishes
— with a healthy twist. Samples will be provided as a
cardiologist and nutritionist discuss medical, lifestyle, and
dietary options that will keep you on track during the season.
November 29
4:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
Conference Rooms A, B, and C
Explorer.
Barbara didn’t realize that one day her passion would
save her life.
To learn more about Barbara’s minimally invasive procedure, visit
MeridianCardioVascularNetwork.com. For a physician, call 1-800-DOCTORS ®
Research
& Education
Prevention
& Wellness
Diagnosis
Taking Care of
New Jersey
Meridian CardioVascular Network
Jersey Shore University Medical Center Meridian Network of Physicians
Ocean Medical Center
Meridian At Home
Riverview Medical Center
Meridian Rehabilitation Centers
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
Meridian Life Fitness Centers
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Bayshore Community Hospital
© Meridian Health 2012
Treatment
Recovery
Home