Because of his blockages, Charlie Robaina’s arteries allowed just a “thread of blood” to pass through—a discovery Dr. Brian Schwartz made in the cath lab at Kettering Health Main Campus.

Charlie was expecting to walk out of the medical center with at least one stent. But the condition of his heart indicated he would need much more extensive treatment.

Not giving up

However, Dr. Schwartz decided to try and proceed, saving Charlie from needing much more invasive surgery. The procedure was successful.

“I should be recovering from open-heart surgery, but I’m not,” Charlie said.

To celebrate Heart Month, Charlie took a moment to thank Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Harvey Hahn, who managed his cardiac care before Charlie’s condition worsened.

“I’m thankful that we do have that kind of care right here and we have skilled practitioners that trust God is going to guide them through the unusual situations,” Charlie said. “Those are the kinds of things that happen in this Christ-centered care setting. And that, to me, is what is the difference about Kettering Health.”