At 70 years old, Bob Siemer has become a symbol of resilience after successfully undergoing an innovative heart procedure that many medical professionals deemed impossible. Despite having faced significant health challenges, Siemer’s latest surgery has revived his heart function and allowed him to return to an active lifestyle.
Siemer’s journey with heart disease began at the age of 49 when he underwent his first open-heart surgery. Over the years, he experienced multiple complications, including a second surgery after a replacement valve wore out and a severe case of endocarditis, an infection that nearly cost him his life. “I got very, very sick and I was just I think I was only a day or so, maybe from dying from this,” Siemer recalled.
Following his third open-heart surgery, Siemer faced a challenging situation, as he had lost an artery supplying blood to one side of his heart. Jarrod Frizzell, director of Complex Corner Therapeutics at Christ Hospital, took on the case, which was complicated by the absence of a functional bypass graft. Frizzell explained, “When he came to me, this bypass graft was gone. So, now he had only very indirect blood flow.”
Innovative Technique Restores Heart Function
In a remarkable demonstration of medical ingenuity, Frizzell developed a method to restore Siemer’s heart function without the need for another invasive surgery. He utilized a stent procedure that involved cutting through scar tissue and creating new arteries using a technique known as electrocautery. This allowed for normal blood flow to return to Siemer’s heart arteries.
“For people that have been told there’s no options, there’s nothing we can do… we’ve got ways around that,” Frizzell stated, highlighting the potential for innovative treatments in complex cases like Siemer’s.
Just one week after the procedure, Siemer was already hiking, showcasing his rapid recovery and improved quality of life. His case has been recognized for its significance, later being published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Siemer’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the advancements in medical technology and the possibilities for patients who may have exhausted traditional treatment options. As medical professionals continue to explore innovative solutions, more patients like Siemer may find hope in their journeys through heart disease.
