The metal stent locked into place against the artery wall.On the screen, the blood flow suddenly smoothed out. The monitor's rhythm steadied.
"There it is,"Yugh said, letting out a breath. "Flow's back." 🔊
As the catheter was withdrawn,the tension in the room melted into quiet relief. The crushing pressure in her chest eased, replaced by the simple, effortless act of breathing.
"We're done,"Yugh said, meeting her half-lidded gaze. "You're going to be okay." 🗣
Though she couldn't fully comprehend it,the steady beep from the monitor told her one thing: her heart had won another day.
_____________________________________
In the waiting area, the ticking clock seemed to stretch every minute for the anxious family. The patient's mother sat with her hands clenched, silent. Her husband stared fixedly out the window, not really seeing anything. 👁👁
The door finally swung open.
Yugh emerged in his white coat,his mask pulled down, his expression calm.
"She's stable now,"he said, the three words lifting the weight from the room.
Her mother rushed forward."Doctor... is she alright?" 😥
"Yes,"he replied gently. "We performed an angioplasty and placed a stent."
Her husband looked up,a question in his eyes. "A stent... what is that?" 🙄
Yugh took a seat,his explanation unhurried. "One of her heart arteries had narrowed. The blood flow was reduced. That's what caused the chest pain." He gestured with his hands, drawing an invisible circle. "We used a small balloon to open the artery. Then we placed a tiny metal tube- a stent,inside to keep it open."
Her mother took her first deep breath in hours."Was it dangerous?" 😲
"It wasn't open-heart surgery,"Yugh explained. "No opening of the chest. The risk was relatively low. But timing was critical."
"And now...?"her husband asked.
"The blood flow is normal now,"Yugh nodded. "We'll monitor her overnight. She'll be awake soon, maybe a little groggy."
A silence hung in the air.
"She..."the mother began, struggling for words. "She's saved, isn't she?" 😐
The doctor looked at her directly.
"Yes.She is."
The mother closed her eyes,letting tears fall. Her husband's shoulders slumped in relief.
"One more thing,"Yugh added, his voice softer. "She'll need medication. Lifestyle changes. The stent fixes the artery,but the heart still needs care." 🕵🏻
"We'll do it,"her husband said firmly. "Anything."
Yugh stood,turning towards the door. "You can see her soon."
As the door closed behind him,the waiting room was quiet, free of the frantic beeping from before. Yet, for the family, a new, steady rhythm seemed to fill the space, calm and persistent, the sound of a heart, held safely, continuing to beat. 💓