A Columbus man is living proof that heart health and preventative screenings can mean the difference between life and death. Two years ago, Don Brockhaus visited his primary care physician for a routine check-up. During the exam, his doctor discovered a heart murmur. He was referred to Dr. Todd Tessendorf, a cardiologist at Bryan Heart who sees patients in Columbus. He immediately ordered an echocardiogram, which uses electrodes to check heart rhythm and ultrasound technology to assess blow flow in the heart.
The results of the echocardiogram detected a large aneurysm. In Don’s case, a rupture of the aneurysm would most likely cause a dissected aorta, a serious condition in which blood rushes through the tear in the aorta and goes outside the wall of the heart. It can be deadly. Dr. Tessendorf immediately reached out to Dr. Robert Oakes, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Bryan Heart to discuss the echocardiogram and follow-up tests.
Dr. Oakes confirmed the diagnosis and recommended emergent surgery in Lincoln. Don and his wife, Mary quickly left Columbus and arrived at Bryan later that evening. He was admitted and scheduled for surgery early the next morning. Dr. Oakes performed an aortic valve replacement, aortic root construction and ascending aorta replacement. The more than three hour procedure went well with no complications. After a few days of recovery, Don was able to go home.
Today, Don is feeling well and has no lingering heart issues. His journey emphasizes the importance of routine check-ups with a primary care physician and continuity of care. Don was not experiencing any symptoms associated with an aortic aneurysm. The visit with his primary care physician and quick action by Bryan Heart physicians prevented a possible life-threatening medical event.