Kansas City, Kan- Luke Harbur, who faced a life-threatening aortic aneurysm at age 29, underwent a seven-hour surgery where his heart was stopped for four hours.
Dr. Todd Crawford, who had the same surgery at a similar age, led the team. Luke's aortic root was only held together by a single cell, necessitating urgent surgery.
Post-surgery, he required a pacemaker due to heart block.
Luke's quick recovery and positive attitude are attributed to his therapy and meditation background.
Luke and Kim Harbur, patient and mother
- Luke learns that his aortic root was so thin it was held together by a single cell, making the surgery more urgent.
- Luke expresses amazement at his quick recovery post-surgery, attributing it to his body's miraculous adaptability.
- Kim recounts Luke's past medical history, including a liver transplant at five months old and his subsequent healthy life until his early 20s.
Dr. Todd Crawford, Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Crawford describes the surgical procedure, including the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia.
- The surgery involved stopping Luke's heart for four hours.
- Dr. Crawford explains the pacemaker's lifespan and the possibility of future interventions.
Friday, May 2nd is the next Morning Medical Update:
Surviving Stage 4 Stomach Cancer - A patient beats grim cancer survival rates. Learn about the immunotherapy and other strategies that give people hope. Plus, we discuss survivor’s guilt when you defy the odds.