From the archives of Cary Memorial Hospital, now Cary Medical Center. This story originally appeared in the Aroostook Republican on Dec. 2, 1970. The article was written by Linda Willard, a Registered Nurse. Excerpts from the original article are included.
On a rainy, dreary afternoon in late November, after three hours of maneuvering, medical history was made for northern Maine at Cary Memorial Hospital. The dramatic moment involved a patient, a local Caribou man, who was the recipient of a permanent pacemaker in the first such procedure in northern Aroostook County.
The operation was carried out under the direct supervision of Dr. H. Douglas Collins. Assisting in the surgical aspect was Dr. Frederick Gregory. Guiding the catheter insertion by X-rays was Dr. Madjid Yaghmai with Dr. D. Timms providing anesthesia.
Other members of the Cary Memorial Hospital staff who have received training in the various aspects of cardiac pacemaker insertion are D. Leland White and Dr. Rosario. A. Page. The pacemaker is a tiny instrument which, when connected to a patient’s heart, stimulates it to action, should it stop its life-saving beat.
Since the fall of 1969, four Caribou individuals have had temporary pacemakers inserted at Cary Memorial Hospital. During this time every effort has been made to increase the facilities available through continuing education of the medical and nursing staff. This type of procedure is not done by one or two persons alone; it involves a team of many trained individuals, including physicians, nurses and technicians.
Some of Cary’s nurses have received specialized training in coronary care at Maine Medical Center in Portland. With this nucleus of specially trained people, others are taught in this specialized care needed for patients. The next step logically followed, and the first permanent pacemaker procedure was completed on Nov. 19, 1970.
Note: Cardiac pacemakers are still used today, though the technology is much improved and the instrument is much smaller than the one inserted at Cary Memorial Hospital in 1970. Drs. Collins, White, and Yaghmai served Cary Memorial Hospital and the new Cary Medical Center for decades, helping the hospital become a regional leader in the delivery of healthcare services. Dr. Page retired from Cary Memorial in 1971 prior to the opening of the new hospital. Cary Medical Center is celebrating 100 Years of Caring.
