"What happened to me was very unfortunate... I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But I came out of that experience feeling more grateful than ever. I'm getting a second chance at life and I'm not going to waste it." - Scott Carmean, Lewiston, Maine Taking to Heart a New Lease on Life At age 23, Scott was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and at age 28 suffered a stroke. Last July, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident and developed cardiogenic shock a serious heart condition that can lead to organ failure and death. The last thing Scott remembers was lying on a hospital bed and hearing someone call for a cardiologist "right away." With his heart functioning at less than 10% and his blood pressure dangerously low, the CMMC Heart and Vascular Institute Interventional Cardiology team implanted an Impella, He could not breathe on his own, so CMMC pulmonologists placed him on a ventilator. At the same time Scott's kidneys failed, requiring the CMMC nephrology team to initiate continuous, around-the-clock dialysis Over the next ten days, Scott remained critically ill. With the help of his care team and family, he beat the odds and after just over three weeks walked out of the hospital. Today, Scot's heart, lungs, and kidneys have made a full recovery. He feels rejuvenated and is working on getting his life back. Central Maine Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute provides comprehensive, integrated services from prevention and screening to treatment and rehabilitation. Our team of general cardiologists electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons offer the latest, high-quality care close to home For more information, call 207.795.5767 or visit CMHC.org. Central Maine Healthcare MASS GENERAL MGH Affiliate CENTRAL MAINE MEDICAL CENTER BRIDGTON HOSPITAL RUMFORD HOSPITAL