A groundbreaking advancement in medical technology played a pivotal role in saving hospital analyst Sara Adair’s life when she suffered a sudden and life-threatening aortic dissection. The key device—a handheld iPhone-based ultrasound probe—allowed doctors to make a rapid and precise diagnosis at a critical moment, CBS News reported.

Adair, a mother of two, was all too familiar with the dangers of aortic dissection, a condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears. Both her father and sister had survived the same cardiac emergency. Diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, she maintained strict cardiac monitoring. However, despite undergoing regular imaging, no red flags were detected.

On July 22, 2024, Adair’s day had been filled with family activities and sports tournaments. But without warning, she was struck by a sudden, crushing chest pain that radiated to her neck—an ominous sign of aortic dissection. Realizing the severity of her symptoms, she attempted to call for help but collapsed before she could reach her husband.

Emergency responders rushed her to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, initially suspecting a heart attack. Misdiagnosing an aortic dissection as a heart attack can be fatal since the two require vastly different treatments. With every hour of delay, the survival rate for aortic dissection drops by 1-2%.

In the emergency room, cardiology fellow Dr. Shawn Chawla turned to a cutting-edge iPhone ultrasound probe. The handheld device, which connects directly to a smartphone, provided instant imaging, revealing a significant tear in Adair’s aorta. This quick identification led to further scans confirming the diagnosis and expediting her emergency open-heart surgery.

Dr. Partho P. Sengupta, chief of cardiology at the hospital, emphasized the lifesaving impact of the portable ultrasound device. “Over half of all aortic dissection patients don’t make it to the hospital in time. Early detection is critical,” he noted. “The iPhone ultrasound allowed us to identify the issue within minutes and ensure Sara received the right treatment immediately.”

Cardiac surgeon Dr. Hirohisa Ikegami led the complex operation to repair Adair’s aorta. While the procedure was successful, she faced serious complications, including a stroke and fluid buildup around her heart and lungs. However, through intensive cardiac rehabilitation, she has been steadily recovering.

Looking back on her harrowing experience, Adair acknowledges the crucial role of modern medical technology. “I know that ultrasound in the ER saved my life. If I had been treated for a heart attack instead, I might not be here today,” she said.

Now focused on her recovery, Adair is turning her attention to her children, who are scheduled for genetic testing to determine if they, too, carry the Loeys-Dietz syndrome gene.