For years, Karen Haynes, a 52-year-old guidance counselor from Barbados, struggled with the debilitating effects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A genetic condition that affects the main pumping chamber of the heart. Once an active individual who enjoyed beach strolls and workplace fitness activities, Karen found herself unable to perform even the simplest tasks, like climbing stairs or responding quickly to student emergencies.
The dedicated wife to her husband of more than 20-years and mother soon found herself struggling to do the things she always loved.
“One of my favorite self-care activities is walking on the soft, white sandy shores of the beaches of my beautiful island paradise,” Karen recalled.
HCM affects the walls of the left ventricle, and they can become thick and stiff. Over time, the heart can't take in or pump out enough blood during each heartbeat to supply the body's needs.
The shortness of breath and fatigue became unbearable, and after extensive research, she knew she needed expert care. As her condition worsened, she researched about her condition, joined webinars and online meetings, learning more about the potentially life-saving surgical options that patients like her could benefit from.
Her relatives, currently residing in the US, pointed her to the nearby facility at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. After a virtual consultation with Dr. Dermot Phelan he confirmed the severity of her condition. In March 2023, Karen traveled to Atrium Health in Charlotte, where advanced testing revealed her high risk of sudden cardiac death. Although she received a defibrillator upon her return to Barbados, her condition continued to decline, and it became evident that surgery was her only option.
A Unique Solution: Bringing Expertise to Barbados
The thought of undergoing such a complex procedure was daunting, particularly since there were no surgeons in Barbados experienced in performing septal myectomies, a procedure that involves the surgical removal of a portion of the thickened heart muscle (septum) to improve blood flow and relieve obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Additionally, the financial burden of traveling back to the U.S. for surgery seemed insurmountable—her insurance had classified her condition as pre-existing, and the costs would not be covered. Then, what Karen describes as a “miracle” happened.
In what felt like divine intervention, Atrium Health, through its International Medical Outreach Program made the extraordinary decision to bring the expertise to her. Dr. Larry Watts, a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, led the effort, traveling with his surgical team—including perfusionist Mindy Couper and scrub technician Kayla Boutross—to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. The team collaborated with local cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Alan Smith and anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Fakoory and interventional cardiologist Dr. Dawn Scantlebury to successfully perform the surgery, a first for the country.
“It was like going into someone else’s home, cooking in their kitchen, and sleeping in their bed—you have to be respectful,” said Dr. Watts. “But the team in Barbados was incredibly gracious and eager to learn.”
“This was a direct answer to prayer and the exhilarating reassurance that miracles happen still,” Karen said. “I knew this surgery would give me my life back, and I am forever grateful.”
Using FaceTime technology, Dr. Phelan provided real-time assistance from Charlotte, guiding the team through crucial moments of the procedure and ensuring the best possible outcome.
“This wasn’t just about saving one life—it was about proving what’s possible,” said Watts. “Now there’s a pathway for more patients in Barbados to receive this kind of care.”
A Successful Outcome
The surgery was a success, and Karen’s life was transformed. Gone were the relentless struggles to breathe, the crippling fatigue, and the fear that had forced her to give up cherished beach strolls with her husband after a frightening fall near the water’s edge—an episode she later realized was caused by her condition.
“Regardless of a person’s strength of character or pain tolerance, there are certain things that are utterly incapacitating—and the inability to breathe is one of them,” Karen reflected. “I now have the opportunity to live again, to enjoy the simple joys of life I had to give up.”
Her recovery was met with joy and gratitude, not just from her family, but from an entire medical community that had come together to make history. Dr. Watts and his team’s dedication had not only given Karen a second chance but also paved the way for improved cardiac care in Barbados.
The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center of Excellence
Karen’s story is a shining example of the expertise housed at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute’s Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center of Excellence. Recognized as one of only 46 such centers in the United States and one of two in North Carolina, the center offers comprehensive diagnostics, advanced therapies, and access to clinical trials for patients like Karen.
“Over the past five years, we’ve expanded from one HCM clinic every two weeks to two clinics weekly, with a multidisciplinary team of four cardiologists and two advanced practice providers,” Dr. Phelan said. “We’ve also participated in multiple landmark clinical trials and strive to bring new therapeutic options to our patients.”
The center’s dedication to innovation and excellence makes it a beacon for patients worldwide, particularly those in regions where specialized care is unavailable.
"Our Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center of Excellence in Charlotte offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art care, combining advanced imaging, cutting-edge treatments, and access to groundbreaking clinical trials," said Phelan. "With a dedicated team of specialists, we provide individualized care plans, ensuring patients receive the most precise and effective therapies available for managing HCM."
The Broader Impact
Karen’s journey is not just about one patient’s recovery—it’s about what is possible when medical institutions prioritize global health and outreach. Her experience serves as a call to action for increased collaboration between institutions like Atrium Health and hospitals in underserved regions. She now dreams of a future where Barbados has its own Center of Excellence for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, allowing more patients in the Caribbean to receive lifesaving care.
“There are likely many more patients in Barbados and the wider Caribbean who need this surgery,” Karen said. “I hope my experience serves as a catalyst for building a sustainable program where they, too, can receive treatment without the same challenges I faced.”
Her gratitude extends beyond the surgical team to her family, friends, and local colleagues who supported her through the toughest times. She remains especially thankful for the unwavering dedication of the Atrium Health team, from Dr. Watts and Dr. Phelan to the compassionate staff who went beyond their call of duty to offer reassurance and support.
Looking Ahead
For Atrium Health, Karen’s case is a stepping stone toward even greater international collaboration. The team hopes to build upon this success, refining their outreach efforts and exploring ways to enhance partnerships with hospitals worldwide.
“This case shows what’s possible when we combine expertise, technology, and compassion,” Watts said. “It’s about creating a legacy of care that extends beyond borders.”
Karen, now feeling healthier and stronger, looks forward to resuming the activities she once cherished—teaching her students without limitation, walking along the beach with her husband, and simply enjoying the gift of breath.
Atrium Health’s work in Barbados serves as a powerful reminder that healthcare innovation knows no borders. Through dedication, expertise, and collaboration, lives are being changed—one patient, one surgery, one miracle at a time.
