"They gave me absolutely no long-term prognosis at all," says Eicher. In December, Eicher went into heart failure. University of Iowa Heart Care specialists didn’t think he would make it out of the hospital alive. So they added a new feature to Eicher’s current pacemaker. Using advanced technology, the pacemaker now strengthens his heart muscle while also helping the left and right ventricles beat together.

"This concept is a unique, new concept, and the type of device he has is highly sophisticated," says Brian Olshansky, M.D., UI Heart Care specialist. "It’s capable of doing more than just about any other device that’s available now."

Eicher’s condition improved dramatically, and he was out of the hospital in just a few days, thanks to the new technology in his pacemaker.

"My life’s improved. I really thank Dr. Olshansky for that," says Eicher. "I’m now able to do more than I was before. I feel like I’ve got possibilities now."

"He would have--I thought--died in the hospital without this device," says Olshansky. "His recovery was nothing short of miraculous."

Eicher is back to enjoying those routine things again--like living a healthy life. Eicher says he feels so good, he’s planning to take his grandchildren on a trip to Disneyworld soon.

For More Information:

Brian Olshansky, M.D.

Health Topics
Heart attack: Are you at risk?

Health Topics:
Heart Attack: Know What To Do

Health Topics:
Heart disease: Prevention

Health Topics:
Pacemakers

Physician Consultation and Referral Directory: Department of Internal Medicine: Cardiovascular Diseases