UC San Diego Health joins the San Diego Padres in recognizing Dionne Taylor and bringing awareness to CTEPH, or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Dionne had large blood clots in her lungs, also known as double pulmonary embolisms. She had them dissolved and felt fine for a while. Then, she started noticing an increased shortness of breath in her daily activities and sought diagnosis and treatment at UC San Diego Health.

Dionne was diagnosed with CTEPH, high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries caused by chronic blood clots (thromboembolic), which obstruct the free flow of blood through the lungs.

Michael Madani, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE), performed Dionne's surgery.

As a fan of the Padres, Dionne and her family were invited to celebrate her recovery at Petco Park where they were treated to lunch at the renovated VIP club. She expressed her gratitude for the medical team at UC San Diego Health, as she credits them for "giving her life back."

Our Health Care Home Runs program celebrates UC San Diego Health patients with a special behind-the-scenes experience during a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park. These patients, selected by UC San Diego Health, have shown remarkable strength, courage and resolve to overcome their serious illnesses.

UC San Diego Health is the Official Health Care Provider of the San Diego Padres. Beyond delivering exceptional care to some of San Diego's best athletes, the sponsorship enables the collaboration of unique and diverse initiatives to promote healthy living in America's Finest City. We also work together to acknowledge and celebrate our patients. Learn more at https://health.ucsd.edu/padres

0:00 Intro Video
0:18 Meet CTEPH Survivor, Dionne Taylor
0:34 What are CTEPH symptoms?
0:53 CTEPH Diagnosis
1:08 What is PTE surgery?
1:34 Padres VIP Experience