Vernon and Claudia Krebs of Bismarck, North Dakota, share a love for fishing that has brought them countless memories over their 64 years of marriage. The couple also shares a common health history, both having atrial fibrillation, or AFib, and both having undergone heart surgery at Sanford Health in Bismarck.
Claudia, at the age of 83, has had a heart attack and two mini strokes. Due to her health history, she has been under the care of Dr. Nayan Desai, an interventional cardiologist at Sanford Bismarck, for about four years. Claudia could no longer take blood thinners, putting her at a greater risk of another stroke. Dr. Desai recommended the insertion of a device called a Watchman in her heart to address these issues, and she has since seen improvement in her condition.
Vern, who just turned 90, also has AFib, along with blockages in the arteries of his neck, legs, and abdomen, as well as valve issues in his heart. Dr. Desai performed a TAVR procedure (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) to address his heart issues, providing him with relief from congestive heart failure and improved blood flow in his legs.
Both Vern and Claudia approached their heart procedures as a team, making decisions together as a couple. They have stood by each other through sickness and in health for over six decades and continue to cherish their time together, sharing fish stories and enjoying their greatest catch: each other.
To read more articles like this, visit the Bismarck, Brain & Spine, Heart, and Vascular categories on the Sanford Health website.
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