Alvin Allen has always been a playful and energetic man, but over the past couple of months his heart condition became so severe that he even flatlined several times while undergoing medical care. After having multiple stents placed in his heart and being turned away from a local hospital due to the severity of his health, Allen ended up at St. Luke’s Health–Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center (Baylor St. Luke’s) and the Texas Heart® Institute.
Dr. Ajith Nair, assistant professor of the medicine section of cardiology at Baylor College of Medicine and cardiologist at Baylor St. Luke’s and St. Luke’s Hospital–The Vintage Hospital, had Allen undergo several cardiovascular tests. After regaining some strength and having a better understanding of his medical complications, Dr. Nair and his team implanted a ventricular assist device (VAD) in Allen to help pump blood from the lower chambers of his heart to the rest of his body.
The VAD made an immediate difference. In a matter of days Allen’s heart regained strength, he learned how to reuse his hands and began walking again. Today, he is back home with his family enjoying his grandchildren and thankful for another opportunity at life.
“Not only did Baylor St. Luke’s accept my case when others turned me away, Dr. Nair never gave up on me,” said Alvin Allen. “I am alive today because of the team at Baylor St. Luke’s and the Texas Heart® Institute.”
In partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Heart® Institute, our cardiovascular care team has provided hope to patients like Alvin Allen. Through our research and clinical excellence, we have achieved life-changing breakthroughs, discovered more methods of prevention and treatment, and advanced the standard of heart care.
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