Mark Lewis
Patient Name
Mark Lewis
Product(s)
Gelweave
Condition
Acute Type A Dissection, Acute Type B Aortic Dissection
Mark Lewis
My name is Mark Lewis and I had my first aortic dissection in 2012
Mark shares that he had his first aortic dissection in 2012, at the age of 49. Mark believed he was fit and healthy at the time, having recently completed a half marathon and caring for his two young children.
“You hear about people having heart transplants, lung transplants, kidney transplants… You can’t get an aorta transplant. You have to get the artificial which is what you guys make here… It’s amazing.”
Following a pain in his chest after Sunday dinner one evening, he was misdiagnosed with having simply pulled a muscle in his back, which along with a heart attack diagnosis is not an unusual occurrence for people who suffer aortic dissection.
A few weeks later Mark was readmitted to hospital, where he learned he had in fact had a Type B aortic dissection and would require ongoing treatment.
Mark adjusted his lifestyle, one example included swapping his running shoes for an electric bike, and continued with his life until 2018 where he suffered a Type A dissection.
Since then, Mark has received medical treatment and surgical intervention, up until just a few months ago when his final remaining section of the aorta was replaced. He describes himself as “completely artificial now”, and is very grateful for the part Terumo Aortic Associates played in his recovery.
Disclaimer
The content, discussion and opinions expressed on this page are those of the patient and may not be reflective of the approved indications for use of the device, which may also differ by region. The physician and patient must discuss and consider the most appropriate individual treatment option with associated benefits and risks. Please consult eifu.terumoaortic.com for product indications, contraindications and warnings/precautions.Careers at Terumo Aortic
