Inside Elliot’s First Open‑Heart Surgery: Ed Campbell’s Journey

When Ed Campbell, 72, of Londonderry, began feeling unusually lethargic in early summer 2025, he knew something wasn’t right. A career land surveyor accustomed to walking miles each day, Ed suddenly found himself exhausted and concerned. A quick blood pressure check showed it was alarmingly low — prompting him to call his cardiologist right away. 

That call set in motion a series of tests that revealed significant heart blockages. Around the same time, Elliot Health System launched its new cardiothoracic surgery program. After reviewing Ed’s case, Gerald Sardella, MD, and the cardiovascular team determined he would become Elliot’s first open‑heart surgery patient. 

A Team Ed Trusted Completely 

Ed describes watching the cardiovascular team collaborate — reviewing his case, discussing every detail, and working in complete harmony. He recalls sitting in on one of their planning sessions, his “head on a swivel” as he listened to the coordinated expertise around him. 

He felt an immediate sense of confidence in Dr. Sardella and the seasoned surgical team. “You could tell they’d done this many times,” he says. “I knew I was in good hands.” 

Ed also remembers the compassionate nursing care that supported him through his first nights after surgery. One nurse, John, made a lasting impression with his guidance and reassurance — part of the seamless care Ed says was “right on the money.” 

A Return to Energy — and the Life He Loves 

More than a year after surgery, Ed’s recovery has transformed his daily life. He’s back to long walks with a friend several times a week, often totaling 15 miles. On weekends, he heads into the woods with his dog for six‑mile hikes — something he couldn’t imagine doing before surgery.  

“I like to say they fixed my heart, but the rest of my body had to get used to it,” Ed jokes. Today, he feels energized, active, and grateful for more time with his family — including his children, grandchildren, and loyal Labrador Retriever.

One Year of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Elliot 

Ed’s story marks a milestone moment for Elliot Health System. Since launching the cardiothoracic surgery program in July 2025, Elliot has completed 76 highly successful cases, an exceptional first year outcome that reflects the strength of the program’s clinical leadership, coordinated care, and patient centered approach.

This first year also includes a major investment in the future of heart care: the opening of Elliot’s new state‑of‑the‑art Cardiovascular Operating Room. The 1,000‑square‑foot suite — one of the largest dedicated cardiovascular ORs in New England — was designed to support complex procedures with advanced technology, expanded space for surgical teams, and enhanced safety features such as continuous in‑ceiling airframe disinfection. The new OR strengthens Elliot’s ability to deliver high‑quality, specialized heart surgery close to home and reflects the organization’s commitment to growing cardiovascular services for the community. 

“This first year represents tremendous teamwork and dedication,” said Dr. Sardella. “Ed’s story is a powerful example of what coordinated, evidence‑based care can achieve.” 

“Thank You for Giving Me a New Life."

Ed’s journey highlights the impact of compassionate care, seamless collaboration, and advanced surgical expertise. His testimonial offers a genuine, personal look at how Elliot’s cardiovascular team helped him return to the life he loves. 

Read more about Elliot’s expanding heart surgery capabilities at ElliotHealthSystem.org/CTSurgery