Chris Whiffen didn’t know he had a heart condition until he was 37. During a visit with his primary care physician, he was admitted to the hospital where they diagnosed him with a low ejection fraction. Having a lower than normal ejection fraction is usually an indication of underlying heart disease. For Whiffen it eventually led to congestive heart failure.

“When they did open me up to put [in] the LVAD, my heart was so swollen that when they got done, I think it was 4 or 5 days [that] they had to [leave the incision open] just to flush those wounds out. Everything was so swollen it wouldn’t close back up”

Every LVAD patient knows the stress of surgery and the challenges of post-op life, but with at-home INR testing and personalized supply kit deliveries, Chris Whiffen has been able to go back to a relatively normal life. As a patient with ODI, Chris has managed his driveline site and weekly INR testing from the comfort of his home, all while being a father to his kids.

“The doctor told me if that [the wound] gets infected, and it goes up the driveline, there’s nothing we can do,” Whiffen said. “… those VAD kits that get sent to me, all that stuff is very important in keeping me here.”

Chris’ story is similar to many of ODI’s patients, but the care he’s provided is unique and customized to his needs. Across testing, supplies, and tool education, everything is clear and easy to use.

“Things change. As patients change, your dressings may change a little bit. You can actually talk to someone who knows what you need. It doesn’t give you the feeling that you’re just an address they send product to.”

For more of Chris’ story, watch the video above.