Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Mayo Clinic team recently performed an innovative procedure that allowed a California man with a failing heart to travel home and participate in his daughter's wedding.

Mayo surgeon Dr. David Joyce enlisted his father, fellow surgeon Dr. Lyle Joyce, to assist in repairing of valve in Andre Johnson's ailing heart and to implant two ventricular assist devices. One of the left side and the other on the right side of the man's heart.

It was the first time the double VAD procedure had been used by the Mayo Clinic.

The devices and the valve repair boosted Johnson' strength enough that Angie Luckhardt, another member of his health care team, came up with a plan to bring Andre to California and surprise his daughter, Alexandra. Johnson was accompanied by Mayo Clinic Physician's assistant Sarah Schettle, and the emotional celebration went off without a hitch (WATCH THE VIDEO).

Andre is now back in Rochester and working on gaining more strength and improving his health to a level that will allow him to put on the heart transplant list.

 

 

More From Y-105FM