Connected heart care

Traveling can be tiring.

So, when Floyd “Mike” Melcer felt fatigued the morning after returning from a fly-fishing trip outside of New Braunfels, TX, he didn't give it much thought.

A few hours later, Mike was diagnosed with an aortic dissection — a rare and deadly heart condition that affects about five in every 100,000 people — and had to undergo emergency surgery.

Today, the 62-year-old says he's thankful to be alive as a result of his care team's quick response time. Moreover, he's grateful for the power behind HCA Houston Healthcare's coordination of care and the advantages that come with having multiple access points across the Greater Houston area.

Coordination of care

On Nov. 28, 2022, Mike was sitting at the dinner table with his wife, Becky, when he started to experience what he thought was acid reflux or indigestion. He took a sip of his iced tea hoping it would help. Moments later, Mike fell out of his chair and onto the floor. Becky called 911.

Unsure if he suffered from a stroke or heart attack, Mike was brought by ambulance to HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest at Becky's request. As a surgery scheduler at the hospital for 16 years, Becky was familiar with the level of specialized cardiac and stroke care the hospital provided. HCA Houston Northwest is an accredited Chest Pain Center and certified as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Mike's accepting ER physician, Dr. Vanessa Lauck, coordinated his initial care and sent him for a CAT scan. It helped identify the aortic dissection, a serious condition in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body's main artery. Mike required emergent surgery and needed a higher level of care at sister hospital HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center.

Mike was swiftly transported to HCA Houston Medical Center by AIRLife, HCA Houston Healthcare's air ambulance. Staffed with highly-trained flight nurses, paramedics and skilled pilots, these air ambulances have a range of approximately 120 miles and will respond to assist at 911 calls as well as transfer adult and pediatric patients from other hospitals in need of a higher level of care.

“The helicopter team was incredible," says Becky. "Neither of us had ever been in a helicopter and we never imagined it would be due to emergency surgery, but the pilot and medical flight crew kept us informed and reassured the entire flight.”

At HCA Houston Medical Center, a team of experts were awaiting Mike's arrival. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Eyal Porat and team rushed him into surgery.

“I recall looking at the ceiling as a team of probably 10 people surrounded me," Mike recalls. "Whatever was about to happen to me was going to happen, yet I had a sense of calmness over me. I can’t explain it."

Mike's surgery was a success and he spent the next six days in cardiac ICU and two additional days in regular ICU. He was discharged on day nine.

"Dr. Porat and his team did an amazing job of taking care of me without any complications. Everyone was incredibly professional and pleasant," says Mike.

Healing journey continues

Mike returned to HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest where he received follow-up care from interventional cardiologist Dr. Mohamed Almahmoud.

Today, Mike continues his recovery at HCA Houston Northwest, where he attends cardiac rehabilitation three times per week. His program consists of a total of twelve weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, with a regimen of exercise, a healthy diet, and medications moving forward.

Mike is beloved by the hospital staff and was recently thrown a surprise birthday party after completing a morning cardiac rehab session. Family, friends and his care team were all there to join him for his celebration.