Patient in need receives Charitable Heart Valve Procedure at The Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus

Patient in need receives charitable heart valve procedure at The Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus. 

Pilar Gomez, a 63 year old El Pasoan, suffering from heart valve disease, was selected for this charitable heart valve procedure as part of the philanthropic initiative through Edwards Lifesciences, Every Heartbeat Matters, which focuses on impacting the lives of underserved patients.

On Saturday, February 22^nd, recognized as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, Gomez received a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement at The Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus.  Gomez was one patient in the entire country selected to have had this procedure performed on Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day through this initiative. 

“This is about a group of charitable partners, to include our physicians and staff, coming together to give back and improve the health of those who are underserved and most in need,” said Rob Anderson, chief executive officer for The Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus.  “We are proud to participate in this event and to be improving the lives of people in our community.”

“This was a team effort from many physicians, nurses and staff to help make a difference and provide a lifesaving procedure for a patient who might otherwise not have been able to have this procedure due to financial circumstances,” said Dr. Chalam Mulukutla, board certified interventional cardiologist, who performed the procedure.  “Mr. Gomez now has the opportunity to lead a long and full life and return to the activities he loves without being limited on activities as he once was.”

Heart Valve Disease (HVD), is a disabling and deadly disease that affects as many as 11 million Americans, yet 3 out of 4 people know little to nothing about HVD.

Gomez was discharged on Sunday with a new sense of hope for his life ahead.

“I feel very grateful, grateful to have been chosen to have this procedure,” said Gomez.  “I plan on doing many things now running, walking and maybe even boxing.”