An 8% chance of survival. Those were Larry Gammon’s odds after suffering a massive heart attack in his home a decade ago. A healthy and active 68-year-old man, Gammon spent half of his career as the CEO of Easterseals, never anticipating he would be the victim of a heart attack.
But there he was, on the floor of his home office, his wife urgently dialing 9-1-1. The response was quick. His survival hinged on the coordinated efforts of his care team — from the EMTs who arrived promptly and rushed him to Catholic Medical Center, to the Emergency Department staff and seasoned ICU trauma team.
Each member played a crucial role — their expertise proving invaluable in those critical moments. “Larry’s recovery isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving against all odds,” remarked Dr. Robert Capodilupo, executive medical director of CMC’s New England Heart & Vascular Institute.
And thrive he did. Gammon continues to lead an active life, walking and exercising several days a week. He credits the expertise and dedication of the CMC staff for enabling him to continue to live life to its fullest.
“At 80, I can do everything I did in my 40s. Nothing has to change.” Gammon’s story is inspirational, yet not unique to the care patients receive at CMC.
As it has for almost 40 years, CMC’s New England Heart & Vascular Institute remains at the forefront of cardiac care, continuously striving for the next medical breakthrough to enhance patients’ quality of life. Specifically this year, CMC has seen advancements that continue to redefine the standard of care. Heart failure, affecting more than 5.
1 million Americans, often results in frequent hospitalizations and a diminished quality of life. The CardioMEMS Heart Failure System, about the size of a paper clip, is surgically implanted in the pulmonary artery. It monitors pressure changes, alerting nurses to subtle symptoms, allowing for timely medication adjustments to prevent hospitalizations.
This system has reduced hospital readmissions by 78%, significantly improving patient outcomes. Not only was CMC the first in northern New England to use this device, but earlier this year, Capodilupo and his team celebrated their 200th CardioMEMS-implant, a testament to their dedication and experience to their patients. CMC introduces another breakthrough under the leadership and guidance of Dr.
Jamie Kim, medical director of CMC’s Electrophysiology Program: the AVEIR DR, the world’s first dual chamber leadless pacemaker treats patients with abnormal or slow heart rhythms. Initially FDA approved in June 2023, CMC was the first to bring this technology to New England. Leadless pacemakers are revolutionary as they reduce patients’ exposure to potential lead and infection-related complications and offer a less restrictive and shorter recovery period post-implantation.
In 2015, CMC was the first in New England to implant a WATCHMAN left atrial appendage closure for those patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. This non-invasive procedure involves placing a small device inside the left atrial appendage and closing it off so clots no longer form; reducing the chance of stroke. Recently, CMC celebrated its 800th successful WATCHMAN implementation, also under Kim’s leadership.
Dr. Fahad Gilani, medical director of CMC’s Structural Heart Program, has been the lead for another life-changing tool — transcatheter aortic valve replacements. Since 2012, this minimally invasive procedure has significantly reduced hospital stays to just two to three days.
Aortic stenosis, a type of heart valve disease, can lead to severe complications if untreated. The Evolut FX+ TAVR system, FDA-approved in March 2024 and implemented by CMC in June 2024, represents the next generation in valve replacement technology featuring a self-expanding valve for enhanced patient outcomes. “Our patients can feel confident that they’re receiving the latest in cardiac technology,” stated Dr.
Jonathan Eddinger, medical director of Cardiology at NEHVI and a dedicated CMC cardiologist for more than a decade. “From cutting-edge pacemakers to newly approved medications for lipid disorders, our team leads the way in utilizing advanced technology to provide the best possible care for every patient, just as we would for our own family.” Catholic Medical Center’s New England Heart and Vascular Institute can be reached at 603-669-0413.
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