ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Heart failure survivors and the medical professionals who helped save their lives came together for a special reunion at Medical Center Hospital, celebrating recovery and advancements in cardiac care.

The event featured a presentation on a temporary heart support device cardiologists use called the Impella.

Medical Center Hospital has used the device for nine years to help treat patients experiencing dangerously low blood pressure or cardiac arrest."The way you can make a difference in a patient's life and within minutes by opening a vessel, putting in the supporting devices and then have them reunite with the family is something that is gratifying to see as a physician," said Dr. Varunsiri Atti, an interventional cardiologist with MCH ProCare Odessa Heart Institute.