PARMA, Ohio — A Parma Heights man returned to the hospital that saved his life two years ago to thank the medical professionals who gave him a second chance.
In 2018, Andy Novak, 51, suffered a massive heart attack. His heart went into cardiogenic shock and was unable to pump effectively, causing kidney and respiratory failure, according to University Hospitals.
Novak coded for 180 minutes, but survived thanks to the tireless efforts of University Hospitals Parma Medical Center staff and a tiny heart pump called the “Impella heart pump” that gave his heart a chance to recover through several weeks in the hospital, University Hospitals said.
With his second chance at life, Novak has been able to watch one of his daughters get married, another daughter graduate and was able to celebrate 32 years of marriage with his wife, according to University Hospitals.
On Friday, Novak returned to University Hospitals to thank the doctor, nurse and paramedics who helped save his life two years ago.
“The hard work and effort they have put into saving my life didn’t just affect me, it affected my family,” Novak said. “My daughter, my other daughter, my two sons—they’ve all benefited from having me around still here today.
“I got to see my oldest daughter get married, I walked her down the aisle last year in October. My other daughter’s engaged now. I’ve been spending a lot of quality time with my son Michael and I know my wife appreciates having me around as well,” Novak said.
Novak met with and personally thanked Dr. Paul Poommipanit, who implanted the heart pump, the cath lab nurse and the Parma Heights medics who brought Novak to the hospital and shocked him seven times while transporting him.
