PHYSICIAN TESTIMONIALS

Tamara - Cardiology | March 7th 2008

After multiple visits with various doctors, Tamara was still searching for medical answers.

For months she had been experiencing unusual dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath. But after seeing several doctors and undergoing multiple exams, she still didn't know the full cause of her symptoms.

Tamara knew her heart was fluttering, but doctors initially dismissed her problem. As 37-year-old single mother of six with a full-time job, Tamara carried a lot of responsibility. Admittedly, her own health was secondary to caring for her children. But when it became difficult even to go up and down the stairs without being completely winded, Tamara had had enough.

Finally, fluid was discovered around Tamara's heart. That's when she was referred to cardiologist Mahir Elder, M.D. at Harper University Hospital.

Dr. Elder knew something had been missed during Tamara's previous medical tests. Using advanced cardiovascular ultrasound equipment, he uncovered the true cause of her symptoms - a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), or hole in the wall separating the right and left sides of her heart.

"This hole occurs naturally when a baby develops in the womb," Dr. Elder explained. "It allows the mother to provide oxygen to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Normally, the hole closes once the baby takes its first breath after birth. If the hole does not close, it allows blood and other particles to shift from one side of the heart to the other and causes the upper part of the heart to be dilated. If untreated, it can lead to a stroke."

To cover the relatively large hole in Tamara's heart, Dr. Elder employed a surgical technique using a state-of-the-art endovascular approach. A small, umbrella-like device made of thin, corrosion-proof steel was drawn up to her heart through a three-millimeter incision in her groin. Using high-tech ultrasound equipment to pinpoint the opening, Dr. Elder covered the hole by unfurling the steel plate, which is about the size of a silver dollar. Heart tissue eventually grows over the plate to fully complete the seal.

"We're one of the few centers in the country to perform this procedure," Dr. Elder said. "PFOs are more often diagnosed in young children than adults. We collaborate closely with the doctors at Children's Hospital of Michigan, who are leaders in treating this defect, and assist each other with adult and pediatric cardiology."

Tamara's surgical procedure took about 45 minutes. After an overnight stay, Tamara returned to her soccer mom life with no limitations.

"My experience at Harper Hospital was great," Tamara said. "Everyone from Dr. Elder to the staff showed professionalism and a fantastic bedside manner. They made me feel at ease and showed that they really cared. I've never experienced the same amount of hospitality and compassion at another medical center. I'd recommend Harper Hospital to anyone."

Brenda M. | May 07, 2009

Q: Why did you see Dr. Elder?

1. Our attending physician recommended Dr. Elder. He told us that he is one of the better people in his field.

Q: What kind of pain were you having at the time?

1. Chest pain and circulation problems

Q: What were your symptoms?

1. Difficulty walking; numbness, tingling in my legs, and fatigue. I would get tired and my legs would collapse.

Q: You had heart surgery done then?

1. Yes, Dr. Elder's treatment included a medical stent, and balloon angioplasty for my legs. The results have been fantastic.

Q: How have you been feeling since Dr. Elder has treated you?

1. I have a lot more energy. I move around a lot better, and am not short of breath. I have not gotten all the way into the exercise program yet, but there is already great improvement.

Q: Would you say that the patient care you received helped you get your life back?

1. Yes! I feel like the six million dollar woman!

Q: That's great news! Would you recommend Dr. Elder to other heart patients?

1. I will recommend Dr. Elder to anybody in the world who is having heart problems. Dr. Elder is one of the people, I believe, who did not just get his medical degree: He earned it, and everything that he does shows it!

Let me say one other thing. We appreciate Dr. Elder, and we always will.

That means a lot to us. Thank you very much.

Rima Fakih

Mahir Elder, M.D., Cardiology

Mr. Robert H. | May 07, 2009

Q: You told us you were very happy with your medical procedure at the DMC. Was this the first time you experienced a heart attack, or had any heart problems?

1. Correct, I never had a heart attack before. I had no trauma sensation or prior symptoms. Nothing equivalent.

Q: Are you pleased with the performance done by Cardiac Team One, especially Dr. Elder himself?

1. I compliment everyone at Cardiac Team One. They were ready for me when I arrived by emergency vehicle. The staff was perfectly prepared, and got me to the cath lab immediately. There were no hitches of any kind.

After that, I had another minor heart incident. Like clockwork, the Cardiac Team One professionals were prepared, and gave me a temporary pacemaker.

Q: I am happy to hear that you are pleased with the medical treatment you received. Once again, Dr. Elder and Cardiac Team One were able to perform the 60-minute procedure on you; which on average, takes 90-minutes with a heart attack patient. We are very proud of our heart specialists, and it is good that you chose Cardiac Team One.

1. I did some work for DMC last fall, so I knew about Cardiac Team One. So when the EMTs asked me where I wanted to go, I told them specifically to come here.

Q: Had you met Dr. Elder or anyone from Cardiac Team One before?

1. I had met Dr. Schreiber last fall while working for DMC. I had also read some news articles about the statistics for prompt intervention after a heart attack.

Q: So, you are knowledgeable about cardiovascular medicine and prompt medical treatment for heart problems?

1. I feel lucky. Everyone I have dealt with has been exceptionally informative, and truly interested in my recovery after my heart attack. The heart doctors here provide first-class treatment.

I am glad you are happy with our performance, and we look forward to seeing you back again for a checkup. Thank you!

Rima Fakih

Mahir Elder, M.D.
Cardiology