Florida hospital worker endures three heart attacks after stent procedure

After noticing mild chest pain, Tommy Bell was admitted to AdventHealth DeLand Hospital, where doctors discovered a blockage in his "widowmaker" artery and performed a stent insertion during the Thanksgiving holiday. Shortly after the first procedure, a clot formed, leading to a heart attack that necessitated a second stent. The next day Bell returned with symptoms resembling heartburn, was rushed back, and suffered two more attacks, bringing his total to three within four days.

Interventional cardiologist Janak Bhavsar explained that the clot and extensive arterial calcium—present in 0.5 to 1% of stent patients—raised the risk, and the team used intracoronary lithotripsy to fracture the calcium and improve stent expansion. Bell was placed on anticoagulants, monitored closely, and eventually discharged, receiving extensive support from hospital staff and colleagues. He now follows a stricter diet and continues follow-up care to prevent future cardiac events.