Complex Aortic Surgery Provides Lu'Shell Hope for the Future
Life-threatening tear in her aorta was discovered during twice-a-year cardiac tests
Conscious about her health, Lu’Shell Randolph-Alexander lost weight and had her diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control. So in 2022, when she suddenly gained weight and had trouble exercising, she knew something wasn’t right.
“I used to walk 3 miles on my lunch break and after work. But it was hard for me to catch my breath. I started noticing heart palpitations. My legs and feet were swelling up. I ballooned and gained 20 pounds,” said Lu’Shell, 47. “A doctor told me I had mild leaky heart valves, but nothing else was major.”
A life-threatening tear was discovered in Lu’Shell’s aorta
Not completely satisfied with the answer, she went to her primary care physician, who referred her to Virtua cardiologist Kevin Curl, MD, FACC, FACP. Lu’Shell learned that not only did she have leaking heart valves, but she also had a potentially more dangerous aortic aneurysm.
The aorta delivers blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, high blood pressure and cholesterol—and in some cases, a genetic condition—can cause the aortic wall to weaken and bulge.
Lu’Shell’s aneurysm was just below the 5 centimeters that would require immediate surgery. A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening emergency.
“Every six months, I had an echocardiogram and a CT scan. I went religiously,” she said. “It was imperative that I make sure everything was OK.”
When Lu’Shell went in for her checkup in May 2025, the results of her latest tests stunned everyone. Her aorta had torn, but scar tissue had covered the dissection.
“She was lucky the aneurysm did not totally rupture, and the aorta was almost able to heal itself,” said Dr. Curl.
Typical signs of a ruptured or torn aorta are severe, continuous chest or back pain. Lu’Shell recalled having back pain but thought it was sciatica.
“It wasn’t bad enough to go to the ER,” she said. “They said I must be very stoic with a high tolerance for pain.”
Team approach to heart valve care
On May 28, Lu’Shell underwent a four-hour open-heart surgery at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
Virtua cardiothoracic surgeon Eden Payabyab, MD, FACS, replaced the damaged part of Lu’Shell’s aorta with a synthetic tube graft and implanted a long-lasting mechanical aortic valve.
“Aortic aneurysms are often silent—until you end up in the emergency room,” said Dr. Payabyab. “If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history, speak to your doctor about getting screened. We will help keep you safe, healthy, and with your family.”
Back at work, Lu’Shell said she focuses on keeping up with her family—and her health.
“I can hear the ticking of my new valve, a rhythm God gifted to remind me I’m still here,” she said. “I feel absolutely amazing. People look at me and can’t believe I had open-heart surgery.”
Virtua’s nationally recognized heart surgery care
Virtua offers traditional and minimally invasive approaches to treat your heart condition, from aortic dissection repair to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Call 888-847-8823 to request an appointment with a Virtua cardiothoracic surgeon.
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