Skip to Main Content

Alvin Allen’s Hope was Resuscitated

image

Flatlined Heart Patient is ‘Revived’ at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center

Alvin Allen has always been a playful and energetic man, but over the past couple of months his heart condition became so severe that he even flatlined several times while undergoing medical care. After having multiple stents placed in his heart and being turned away from a local hospital due to the severity of his health, Allen ended up at St. Luke’s Health–Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center (Baylor St. Luke’s) and the Texas Heart® Institute.

Dr. Ajith Nair, assistant professor of the medicine section of cardiology at Baylor College of Medicine and cardiologist at Baylor St. Luke’s and St. Luke’s Hospital–The Vintage Hospital, had Allen undergo several cardiovascular tests. After regaining some strength and having a better understanding of his medical complications, Dr. Nair and his team implanted a ventricular assist device (VAD) in Allen to help pump blood from the lower chambers of his heart to the rest of his body.

The VAD made an immediate difference. In a matter of days Allen’s heart regained strength, he learned how to reuse his hands and began walking again. Today, he is back home with his family enjoying his grandchildren and thankful for another opportunity at life.

“Not only did Baylor St. Luke’s accept my case when others turned me away, Dr. Nair never gave up on me,” said Alvin Allen. “I am alive today because of the team at Baylor St. Luke’s and the Texas Heart® Institute.”

In partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Heart® Institute, our cardiovascular care team has provided hope to patients like Alvin Allen. Through our research and clinical excellence, we have achieved life-changing breakthroughs, discovered more methods of prevention and treatment, and advanced the standard of heart care.

Related Patient Stories

An Unconquerable Will to Live and a Medical Team Determined to Defy the Odds

JUL 21, 2023

Against all odds, Clifford's unwavering will to live and a dedicated medical team at St. Luke's Health led to miraculous recovery after a massive heart attack. Read his inspiring story of resilience and hope.

Read More Additional information about Miraculous Cardiac Survival: Clifford's Inspiring Story

81-Year-Old First in Houston to Receive Resilia TAVR Device

JUN 07, 2023

81-year-old Dorothy Seman finds relief from severe shortness of breath with advanced aortic valve replacement. Discover the innovative SAPIEN 3 Ultra RESILIA valve by Baylor St. Luke's Interventional Cardiologist Neil E. Strickman.

Read More Additional information about 81-Year-Old First in Houston to Receive Resilia TAVR Device

The Organ Transplant Ambassador

APR 27, 2023

Amy Frackowiak wants everyone to know that a kidney transplant provides a new lease on life. She knows from experience - Amy has undergone two kidney transplants at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Read More Additional information about The Organ Transplant Ambassador | Patient Stories