From Crisis to Triumph: A Tale of Second Chances and Cutting-Edge ECMO Care with Abbas & Helena Mohammadzad

08/17/2023

In May of 2023, Mr. Abbas Mohammadzad‘s life took an unexpected turn when he began to feel a pounding sensation in his chest while at work. Never a worrier, he tried some antacids and vigorous exercise to alleviate this newfound pain. These remedies did not help…but fortunately, Abbas informed his wife, Helena of this discomfort who insisted on immediately bringing him to TMC’s Memorial Hermann Hospital – Emergency Department (ED).

Group picture of ecmo survivor at re-visit event.

The Memorial Hermann-TMC Emergency Department is one of the few EDs in the United States with the technology, expertise, and capability to place patients with refractory cardiac arrest on ECMO. The time elapsed from arrest onset to being placed on an ECMO pump is critical for survival and positive neurological outcome.

Although his vital signs and electrocardiogram (EKG) were normal on arrival in the ED, Abbas went into cardiac arrest. The Emergency Medicine team made an attempt to defibrillate him, but was unsuccessful. While still in the ED, they worked swiftly with Memorial Hermann’s Heart and Vascular Institute team to initiate Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO); a form of life-support that pumps blood throughout the body while keeping blood gases (oxygen & carbon dioxide) in balance. This astute action kept Abbas alive as they rushed him to the Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab, opening his blocked coronary arteries.

Lifesaving team with ecmo survivor.

UTHealth Houston’s Department of Emergency Medicine ECMO Team with Abbas & Helena Mohammadzad in front of ECMO-1, generously donated by the Wyatt Ranches Foundation.

After a month-long hospital stay, Abbas made a full recovery and is back at home with his wife, Helena and their two children, running his business and otherwise returning to normalcy.

UTHealth Houston’s Department of Emergency Medicine, Memorial Hermann’s Heart & Vascular Institute, and the Houston Fire Department (HFD) are thrilled to announce the launch of a joint and novel program to bring this life-saving therapy to patients who arrest inside and outside the hospital.

This collaboration sets Houston apart as one of the few cities in the United States offering prehospital ECMO care, reaffirming the city’s commitment to saving lives through innovation.

Collage of ECMO-1 vehicle.

 

 

Abbas’ story is a testament to the power of cutting-edge medical care, strong teamwork, and the power of the human spirit.