Paul Springob describes himself as “probably the most active person with health issues in the world.”
Now retired, the 74-year-old says he’s “always busy,” often working on projects around the house, such as painting and fixing things.
While employed as an airport baggage handler in October 2006, Paul collapsed and was taken to UPMC Presbyterian. Tests revealed he had an aortic dissection ― a medical emergency caused by a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, which carries blood from the heart. This condition can cause lifelong complications.
Michel Makaroun, MD, a vascular surgeon at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, took charge of Paul’s care. He recommended a stent graft procedure because Paul’s aorta was progressively growing larger. That procedure was performed in January 2007, followed by another a few months later to complete the treatment.
“That was the start of a long relationship,” Paul explains. “I’ve been visiting Dr. Makaroun ever since, and he’s become an important part of my family’s life.”
A Need for Additional Care
Nearly a decade later, Paul was fulfilling one of his responsibilities as a volunteer firefighter, keeping people from passing through barricades as a parade in his community passed by. He recalls feeling “really bad” and was again rushed to UPMC Presbyterian, then to UPMC Shadyside.
The diagnosis was an extension of Paul’s aortic dissection, involving an area closer to his heart. He needed an emergency surgery and recovered, but would require close monitoring by Dr. Makaroun in the months that followed.
In fall 2024, Paul was informed that, as a result of his previous aortic dissections, he had an abdominal aortic aneurysm that had grown to a size requiring surgical intervention. This surgery would be more complex than usual because the aneurysm impacted important blood vessels attached to vital abdominal organs.
In February 2025, Nathan Liang, MD, a vascular surgeon at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute and a partner of Dr. Makaroun’s, performed the procedure. Dr. Liang used a customized, perforated stent graft that allowed blood to continue flowing to Paul’s organs while his aortic aneurysm was repaired.
“I couldn’t have been more impressed with him,” Paul recalls. “Dr. Liang is such a good doctor, and his bedside manner is amazing. He spent so much time with my wife, daughter, and me, thoroughly explaining all aspects of what to expect.”
The Road to Recovery
In addition to Dr. Liang, Paul says others he encountered during his time in the hospital after surgery made the recovery process as pleasant as possible.
“Everyone was absolutely perfect," he says. "If I needed anything, they were on it right away. Doctors, nurses, food ― all good.”
Now back at home in Pittsburgh’s North Hills, Paul is happy to still be able to do housework, and he also gets to travel. He enjoys attending classic car shows and taking advantage of the flying privileges he earned during his days working in the airline industry.
“I may be in my 70s, but I still have a young brain,” Paul says with a laugh. “And now that I’ve recovered from my latest surgery, I’d say I’m doing pretty doggone good.”
Paul’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
