Kansas City, KS - Miguel Calvillo spent decades working alongside surgeons at The University of Kansas Health System. Then, at the end of a shift, he collapsed in a hospital hallway and became their patient. His coworkers immediately began CPR and used an AED before doctors placed him on ECMO and reopened his blocked arteries with stents. Now back at work, Miguel reunites with the physicians who helped save his life and shares what it was like to return to the operating room.
Miguel Calvillo - Patient
Miguel described what he remembers before collapsing while leaving work and whether he experienced any warning signs.
He shares what it meant to wake up surrounded by coworkers who had become part of the team fighting to save his life.
He talked about his recovery, and the lifestyle changes he has made since his cardiac emergency.
He shares the emotional experience of returning to the operating room where he had spent years helping care for other patients.
Dr. Todd Crawford, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Crawford explains why Miguel was placed on ECMO and how the advanced life-support system gave his heart and other organs time to recover.
He discusses the rapid coordination among nurses, physicians and hospital staff after Calvillo collapsed.
He shares what it was like to suddenly treat a longtime colleague and friend as a critically ill patient.
He discusses the role Miguel’s attitude and determination played during his recovery.
Dr. Georges Hajj – Interventional Cardiologist, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Hajj explains what was happening inside Miguel’s heart when he collapsed and why the first few minutes were critical to his survival.
He explains why Miguel needed stents and how they were used to reopen his blocked arteries.
He explains how emergency drills and simulations help hospital teams prepare to respond when a cardiac arrest happens unexpectedly.