Home for the Holidays: North Miami Man Grateful to Receive Memorial Healthcare System’s 50th Adult Heart Transplant – PR Web

Dr. Marla Avila, cardiologist, Dr. I-wen Wang, cardiac surgeon, and Patient Alex Lacroix prior to surgery.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (PRWEB) December 16, 2019

After living what he describes as a health rollercoaster nearly his entire life, Alex Lacroixs heart finally failed in late September.

The North Miami resident had been living with end stage heart disease for more than two years, with a previously implanted left ventricular assist device (LVAD) helping his weakened heart pump enough blood to keep him alive. But, ultimately, even that technology wasnt enough. I had no choice but to be hospitalized until I got myself a transplant, said the married father. Thats how I ended up here under the care of all the great nurses and doctors who kept me afloat until I could get this wonderful miracle.

Here was the Memorial Transplant Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital and Lacroixs miracle was the 50th adult heart transplant performed at the Hollywood facility, a successful surgery that took place November 3. After a post-surgical stay for observation and recovery, Lacroix was home well before Thanksgiving and will enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.

It (the transplant) was something I was expecting, something I wanted, but when it finally happened, I was like a kid with a new toy. But like a kid with a new toy, you find out you dont even know how to play with it, said Lacroix.

MCVI was the first facility in Broward County to offer heart transplantation services for adults and the more than 50 lives it has now saved in the past five years represent a significant milestone in the programs development. This is just one step in what we anticipate our program will become in terms of scope and services we can provide down the road, said Memorial Healthcare Systems chief of adult heart transplants Dr. I-wen Wang, the cardiac surgeon that performed Lacroixs procedure.

Lacroixs speedy recovery (he was home just 2 weeks after transplant) is due, in large part, to a team of specialists that worked on his case before, during, and after surgery. That included advanced heart failure cardiologists that specialize in transplants, cardiologists, electrophysiologists, a dedicated operating room staff, imaging experts, certified nurses, critical care specialists, and a support team that features social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, and pain management specialists. Its a multi-disciplinary approach to total heart care that has delivered South Floridians outcomes that compare to the best in the U.S.

While Dr. Wang expects Memorials program to reach new heights as it grows and develops, that doesnt mean he doesnt appreciate the accomplishment at hand. Every transplant is exciting to me and brings with it its own personal and professional happiness. Each brings a unique sense of personal triumph in how were able to help these patients.

Memorial Healthcare System is one of the largest public healthcare systems in the U.S. and a national leader in quality care and patient satisfaction. It is highly regarded for a patient and family-centered approach at facilities that include Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital South, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital Miramar, Memorial Hospital Pembroke, Joe DiMaggio Childrens Health Specialty Center in Wellington, and Memorial Manor nursing home.

Among the many awards and recognition it has earned are Modern Healthcare magazines Best Place to Work in Healthcare, Florida Trends Floridas Best Companies to Work For, and Beckers Hospital Reviews 150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare. In a recent report (Humanizing Brand Experience), the Denver-based consulting firm Monigle named Memorial the top health system brand in America, based on consumer surveys.

To learn more, visit mhs.net.

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Home for the Holidays: North Miami Man Grateful to Receive Memorial Healthcare System's 50th Adult Heart Transplant - PR Web