St. Peters Man Boxes Again After Life-Threatening Heart Attack

First Use of Advanced Heart Pump at Progress West Hospital

On August 2, 2022, Matt Lavolpa, 53, of St. Peters, Missouri, had just worked out at his boxing gym in Weldon Springs and was driving home when he felt a tightness in his chest. He pulled over at his church, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville. The priest called 911, and the St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) arrived within three minutes. While in the ambulance, Matt went into cardiac arrest — his heart stopped. The EMTs resuscitated him and rushed him to the nearest hospital, Progress West Hospital.  

In the emergency room, Matt went into cardiac arrest again and was brought back again. He was taken to the cardiac cath lab. BJC Medical Group interventional cardiologist David Kardesch, MD, and the cardiac team began the procedure to unblock the artery, but Matt went into cardiac arrest for a third time and needed to be shocked again. 

Knowing Matt’s heart was weak, the team felt it necessary to stabilize his heart by placing a small left ventricular assist device (LVAD) designed for short-term support called the Impella before they finished clearing the blockage in the artery and placing stents. 

The device is a small heart pump that is temporarily placed to augment the heart’s function and keep it pumping. This support allows the heart to recover by lessening its burden. It is not used for all heart attacks, but rather for those with cardiogenic shock that prevents the heart from pumping enough blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. 

“For most patients who have a heart attack, even though the artery is open after treatment, their heart muscle downstream still isn’t functioning normally. It can take time — hours or even days — for the heart to recover to the point that the patient is not only going to survive but have fewer complications — like heart failure or arrhythmias — that occur when the heart is very weak,” explains Dr. Kardesch.  

Introduced at Progress West Hospital in early summer 2022, the device was available that August day and Matt became the hospital’s first patient to benefit. It is also available at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. 

“We decided this was something we really needed,” says Dr. Kardesch. “Five to 10% of heart attack patients develop cardiogenic shock, and you have to be prepared.” 

By the following day, Matt’s heart had recovered well, and the assist device was removed. While it is an invasive treatment requiring the patient to be completely still and carrying risks such as bleeding complications, it is vital for patients who experience the most severe heart attacks. 

Matt was discharged home only three days after having a so-called “widow maker” heart attack, a blockage that affects the main coronary artery that typically supplies blood to the majority of the heart. According to the American Heart Association, the survival rate following a widow maker heart attack is only 12% when it occurs outside of a hospital or advanced care center.  

Despite having this type of heart attack, Matt’s heart did not sustain any severe damage — due in part to the time-sensitive care he received and use of the advanced heart device. 

“If you look at Matt’s heart now, it’s really hard to tell he had a heart attack, which is amazing,” shares Dr. Kardesch. “He’s a young guy with life ahead, and it’s a good feeling to know we not only got him through this really serious crisis, but that the future looks good for him. It makes me really proud of my team at Progress West Hospital and glad we have this resource that is helpful and even lifesaving.” 

After being discharged, Matt began cardiac rehabilitation at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, which was helpful in easing back into physical activity. Despite going to the gym four times a week and eating a decent diet prior to his heart attack, he also made lifestyle changes, including starting a Mediterranean diet and taking medication. Now, Matt has returned to his work as an electrician and to his boxing gym, a beloved hobby he has enjoyed for nearly a decade.  

“Everything is back to normal — as much as it can be,” says Matt. “When I was having that heart attack, it wasn’t like shooting pain down my arm; it was like an elephant on my chest, so I figured August 2nd was my last day, and I had a good life. All this time is just gravy for me. I try to enjoy every day with my family and friends.”  

He adds, “Every part of this just worked out for me. I can’t say enough nice things about everyone who took care of me — the EMTs, the nurses, the doctors.” 

Progress West Hospital is a designated STEMI (Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) Center, featuring a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab and a close partnership with SCCAD for a seamless delivery of care. With specialized expertise and the most advanced technology, the cardiac team provides St. Charles County with heart attack care in the most efficient, time-sensitive and clinically excellent manner. 

Take our free heart health assessment to understand your risk for heart disease at BJC.org/heart.  

To schedule an appointment with one of our heart specialists, call 636.723.9293.