Kansas City, Kan-Bart Rudolph, a 44-year-old cancer survivor and adventurer from Alaska, chose to travel to Kansas City for emergency open-heart surgery at the University of Kansas Health System.
He had a 95% blockage in his “widowmaker” artery, likely due to radiation therapy for his past lymphoma.
Bart emphasized the importance of staying positive and thanked his doctors for saving his life. Both doctors stressed the need for cardio-oncology care for cancer survivors.
Bart Rudolph, patient
- Bart explains the long-term effects of radiation treatment for his cancer, which likely caused the artery blockage.
- He explains his decision to travel to Kansas City, where he received cancer treatment decades ago, despite the risks of flying.
- He shares his initial health condition upon arrival in Kansas City, noting significant improvements after five weeks.
Dr. Hamed Dehkordi, Cardio Oncologist The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Dehkordi describes the various components of radiation-induced heart disease, including pericardial thickening and valve damage.
- He advises cancer patients to discuss their cardiovascular health with their oncologists and consider seeing a cardio-oncologist.
Dr. Omar Almoghrabi, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Almoghrabi explains the risks associated with Bart's heart condition and the urgency of his surgery.
- He provides a detailed explanation of the "widowmaker" artery and its significance.
Friday, February 13, 2026 is the next Morning Medical Update
Broken Heart Syndrome: When Stress Affects the Heart
Doctors explain stress-induced cardiomyopathy, symptoms, and who is most at risk.
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