Anthony Arato

When Anthony Arato felt chest pains a few days before Thanksgiving, he did what any of us would do: he went to the doctor.

Anthony knew chest pains were a danger sign. At 74 years old and diabetic– his life depended on getting excellent care.

So when his doctor said he had two blocked arteries and that he could wait until after Christmas for surgery, Anthony decided to get a second opinion. He made an appointment with cardiologist Dr. Nicholas Papapietro at Beth Israel Medical Center.

“Dr. Papapietro referred me right to Dr. Tranbaugh,” says Anthony. “I found out I had five blocked arteries and needed surgery right away. I was so scared. My wife, Domenica, and my two daughters were scared too.”

“I’ve had kind of a rough time,” Anthony reflects. “And when you go in for surgery, you know it could go badly and you might not make it. But they gave me such confidence.”

Dr. Robert Tranbaugh, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Beth Israel, performed a five-vessel, all-arterial coronary artery bypass graft surgery on Anthony. “We have special expertise and are gaining more recognition for using all-arterial grafting,” says Dr. Tranbaugh. “This was a great option for Mr. Arato because of his chronic venous stasis and ulcers that require unna boots. We avoided harvesting his saphenous vein from the legs, thus avoiding potentially very debilitating leg swelling and pain.”

“They usually get veins from your legs, but I had blisters and bleeding on my legs and Dr. Tranbaugh said they weren’t very good,” explains Anthony. “So they took two veins from my left arm and three from my right. I’m telling you, those doctors are terrific.”

“Dr. Tranbaugh’s assistant who helped in the surgery came to see me. The way she talked – it was as if she had known me for a lifetime.”

After the surgery, Dr. Tranbaugh turned his expert skills from the operating table to the bedside. “Dr. Tranbaugh was so kind to Domenica,” Anthony says gratefully. “After my surgery he took the time to explain to Domenica everything he did. He was so courteous and patient.”

Anthony remembers that later, in his room, the kindness and care continued. “Dr. Tranbaugh’s assistant who helped in the surgery came to see me. She was kind and intelligent and so nice to us. The way she talked – it was as if she had known me for a lifetime.”

Right through his stay at Beth Israel Medical Center, Anthony was impressed by the professionalism of the staff. “Everyone at Beth Israel is wonderful, from the doctors to the nurses to the cleaning people. In fact, the cleaning people were in there all the time. They’re fanatics about it.”

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You deserve no less than the same lifesaving medical care and devoted attention that Anthony Arato received. Please give to Beth Israel today!