Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, Oldest Survivor of Coronary Bypass

In a stunning New York Times feature, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey describes his personal experience with heart disease, all the more amazing because he is a pioneer of cardiovascular surgery that saved his life at age 98. Dr. DeBakey developed a dissecting aortic aneurysm on New Year’s Eve 2005 that caused so much pain he thought he would die on the spot.

It never occurred to me to call 911 or my physician. As foolish as it may appear, you are, in a sense, a prisoner of the pain, which was intolerable. You’re thinking, What could I do to relieve myself of it. If it becomes intense enough, you’re perfectly willing to accept cardiac arrest as a possible way of getting rid of the pain.

Dr. DeBakey refused to be hospitalized until it was almost too late in the hope that his aorta would heal on its own. He knew that surgery was far from a guaranteed success especially at his age. Later, the circumstances surrounding his care became highly complicated and fraught with legal consequences.

You’ve got to read this piece of medical history to believe it. Dr. Lawrence K. Altman did a superb job telling the story.

Tags: heart, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, surgery, michael debakey, diseases, illness, health