On November 6, 2023, Susan D’Addario of Farmington suffered a sudden and life-threatening pulmonary embolism at home. Her husband Peter immediately sprang into action, performing CPR until first responders arrived. Thanks to his quick thinking and the expert care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, Susan survived against all odds.

Once at the hospital, Emergency Department physician, Dr. Matthew Ledford administered a dose of tPA, a medication, commonly used to treat pulmonary embolism as a “clot-busting” drug that breaks down blood clots in the lungs, restoring blood flow.

Susan was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where her condition remained under close observation. Her care was assumed by ICU physicians Dr. Debapriya Datta, Dr. Raymond Foley, and the ICU team. When her progress remained limited, the team consulted Dr. Juyong Lee, an interventional cardiologist.

Lee successfully removed the clots blocking her arteries, giving Susan a second chance at life. With only 5% of pulmonary embolism cases surviving such a crisis, Susan knows just how fortunate she is.  She is grateful to Drs. Lee, Datta, Foley, Ledford and the ICU team that included residents, Drs. Erind Muco, Kiroloss Eskander, Bianca Thakker, Daphne Gonzalez Aponte, Dr. Angela Quental, Fellow, Kellie McPherson, RN, Stacy Philips, APP and Randy Lebron, Nurse’s Aide.

Susan’s story is a testament to the importance of heart health, rapid emergency response, and the dedicated medical professionals who make survival possible. It also highlights the vital role that UConn Health’s cardiovascular experts play in saving lives every day.

Recently, Susan met Dr. Lee for the first time, and together they spoke with WFSB’s Great Day CT about her experience, pulmonary embolisms, and the critical importance of knowing CPR.