Kansas City, KS- Nicholas Counts, collapsed weeks before his college graduation due to an aortic dissection caused by Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder he was unaware of. He was rushed to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and then flown by helicopter to The University of Kansas Health System, where Dr. Tyler Zorn performed emergency surgery. Nicholas shared his journey, highlighting the importance of recognizing serious symptoms and the impact of timely medical intervention. The team stressed the rarity of aortic dissections in young patients and the necessity of ongoing monitoring for Marfan Syndrome.
Nicholas Counts, Patient
• Nicholas remembers feeling unwell and describes the events leading up to his collapse.
• He shares his recovery story and his decision to pursue a career in medicine as a nurse.
Dr. Tyler Zorn, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
• Dr. Zorn emphasizes the team effort that saved Nicholas' life, from the EMS crew to the emergency department staff.
• He discusses the variability of aortic dissections and Nicholas' rapid progression of the condition.
Dr. Brandon Ricke, Emergency Medicine, Lawrence Memorial Hospital
• Dr. Ricke discusses the importance of taking symptoms seriously, especially in young, healthy individuals.
• He explained how rare Marfan Syndrome and an aortic dissection is.
Dr. Elizabeth Guastello, Cardiologist, Lawrence Memorial Hospital
• Dr. Guastello discusses how important it was to work quickly to move Nicholas to The University of Kansas Health System.
KU Senior Survives Rare Heart Emergency Weeks Before Graduation
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