Cartersville, Ga. (March 26, 2025) – Stanley Paris, a 78-year-old Emerson resident and a retired employee of Lockheed Martin Space, experienced severe shortness of breath and chest pain, prompting his urgent admission to Piedmont Cartersville, where he faced a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). Thanks to swift medical care and a groundbreaking procedure to remove blood clots, Stanley's life was saved.
Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to an artery in the lungs, potentially causing severe complications or death if not treated promptly. It affects about 1 in every 1,000 people each year. Common symptoms of PE include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing.
At Piedmont Cartersville, the medical team is well-equipped to effectively treat and eliminate pulmonary embolisms. One notable example of their commitment to quality care is Stanley's case, when the necessary personnel and equipment were available to perform the lifesaving FlowTriever procedure. Performed by Godly Jack, M.D., and Maxwell A. Prempeh, M.D., the procedure involves using a pulmonary clot removal device with large-bore aspiration to remove clots. This minimally invasive technique offers quicker recovery and better outcomes than traditional blood clot removal methods. Stanley’s procedure marked the first application of this advanced technique at Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center.
Dr. Godly Jack shared his insights about the procedure, stating, "The success of this procedure underscores the importance of advanced medical technology and a well-trained team prepared to handle emergencies."
Dr. Prempeh stated, "The FlowTriever system enables us to remove clots and improve patient outcomes. It's a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of pulmonary embolisms."
Stanley expressed his gratitude to the medical team: "I am truly thankful for the excellent care I received at Piedmont Cartersville. I have never been so well-informed during a medical procedure, which greatly eased my anxiety. I was awake during the procedure and felt immediate relief after the doctors removed the clot. I feel very fortunate to have had access to such innovative treatment options."
A dedicated medical team carried out the successful procedure, including Lindsey H. Sadler, RN; Nicole Hartbank, RN; Nathan Hayslett; Zachary J. Linscott; and Nicole Balfour.
Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center is expanding staff training on the FlowTriever procedure to enhance its treatment capabilities. The center is committed to delivering high-quality care, compassion and support throughout a patient’s treatment journey. Piedmont Cartersville takes pride in being at the forefront of innovative treatments for pulmonary embolism, ensuring that patients like Stanley receive not only the highest quality of medical care but also a strong commitment to compassion and support throughout their treatment.
From the initial diagnosis to the various stages of care, Piedmont Cartersville employs advanced techniques and a dedicated team of specialists to ensure that each patient is well-informed and comfortable, fostering positive outcomes and enhancing the overall patient experience.