James Dralle's Online Review Report Card

From Lorraine S. Bruggeman (formerly Mary Lorraine Grzybowski)November 5, 201523 years ago, in 1992, late on a Saturday night in August, a young Dr. Dralle was summoned to Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey IL to perform an emergency surgery on a 46 year old woman already going into shock due to a dissected aortic arch. After 8 hours of very challenging surgery, Dr. Dralle had replaced the dissected portion of the aorta and the destroyed aortic valve with a new valved graft. In addition, the dissection sheered off two coronary arteries; one of which was replaced with a leg vein, then both were re-implanted into the new aortic graft. Dr. Dralle went on to become medical director for the Cardiac Surgery Program at Ingalls Memorial Hospital, and I, the patient, went on to live a fulfilling life with no further heart problems. Unfortunately, I only met Dr. Dralle once briefly in the hospital shortly after my surgery and at that time did not even know he was the doctor who had saved my life, which is why I wanted to write this tribute. Thank you, Dr. Dralle.FOLLOW UP -- 8-29-2019Tonight is the 27th anniversary of the artificial aortic valve surgery performed by Dr. Dralle that saved my life. I am 73 years old now and still ticking along. I'm wondering if 27 years is any kind of record for an artificial valve? Thank you again, Dr. Dralle.

While on vacation down at Jersey Shore, I had a mild heart attack on beach. I had three blockages that were difficult to stent. I agreed to triple bypass, and was lucky to have Dr. Dralle as my surgeon. He did a wonderful job, and my scar has really shrunk. It is two years later, and with some life style changes, I am doing wonderful, and see my regular cardiologist on a regular basis.

I had surgery for a right knee replacement on May 31, 2019 @ AtlantiCare in Pomona, NJ. I was unaware of a pharmaceutical issue that Dr. Marable picked up on in a conversation about my medical history. She immediately talked to Dr. Ponzio to bring the issue to her attention. The discovery led to a lengthy discussion Since I have had issues with general anesthesia in the past. Dr. Marable made sure to treat me with anesthesia that would prevent any clinical issues. Dr. Marable discussed this with her team and Dr. Ponzio and her team as well. I woke up very easily and had only minor confusion. I was impressed with Dr. Marable’s professionalism, her extensive knowledge and her humanistic approach. She made me very confident in her abilities and her caring attitude. Thank you so much Dr. Marable.