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First ICD Patient at Covenant Health Cumberland Received Coordinated Care Across the System

  • 4 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 8/17/2026

After surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency, Nelson Crenshaw became the first patient to receive an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) at Covenant Health’s Cumberland Medical Center. Through Covenant Health’s emergency care, heart care and rehabilitation, Nelson was able to return to his active retirement lifestyle. 

A smiling older woman and man wearing glasses sit close together outside, each holding a puppy in their laps. The background shows part of a house and trees.

Nelson’s Medical Emergency  

Nelson’s initial symptoms began with shortness of breath, headaches and trouble sleeping. Over time, his condition quickly worsened, and he found himself struggling to breathe. His wife, Janice, knew he needed immediate medical attention and drove him to Cumberland’s emergency department. 

They quickly assessed his condition. The cardiology team, cardiac catheterization (cath) team and intensive care unit all coordinated his care. They worked together to stabilize him before the cath team implanted a stent. 

Throughout the night, the team remained focused on giving Nelson the best possible chance of survival and recovery.  

Janice remembers the experience vividly, recalling: “Everyone came together. The care was phenomenal. From the emergency department to the ICU and cath lab team, they were all working to save his life. I can’t say enough good things about them.” 

Covenant Health’s Coordinated System 

The following day, Nelson was transferred to Covenant Health’s Parkwest Medical Center for advanced cardiac care. 

Physicians performed additional testing and cardiac procedures. They placed an additional stent and continued monitoring him for two weeks. For Nelson, many of those days remain a blur. “There were times when I truly didn’t think he was going to make it,” Janice said. 

Throughout their experience, the couple says the compassion, support and expertise of their care teams made a lasting impact. 

A smiling man with short hair and a beard wears a white lab coat over a plaid shirt, standing in front of a gray background. The lab coat has blue embroidered text and a medical logo.
Todd Justice, MD, a board-certified cardiologist with Covenant Health

Cumberland’s First ICD Implant 

As Nelson continued to improve, follow-up testing showed his heart remained at risk for dangerous abnormalities. His team recommended an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) with Todd Justice, MD, a board-certified cardiologist with Covenant Health. This would be the first time Dr. Justice performed the procedure at Cumberland.  

An ICD is a small device placed under the skin of the chest that continuously monitors heart rhythm. If a dangerous heart rhythm occurs, the device can deliver a life-saving electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest. 

While some patients might be nervous about receiving the first procedure, Nelson trusted Dr. Justice completely. He shared, “He answered every question I had. I felt comfortable right away.”  

The procedure was successful, and Nelson returned home with scheduled routine visits and ICD monitoring. As he continued his recovery, the team tracked the device’s performance and provided ongoing support to help him regain strength 

Covenant Health’s Continuum of Care 

Throughout his journey, Nelson trusted Covenant Health as his partner in care. He partnered with: 

Man in a light blue shirt, shorts, and cap playing golf on a grassy course, preparing to swing his club with trees and an open fairway in the background.
  • Parkwest Medical Center for advanced heart care 

“We’ve been coming to Cumberland Medical Center for 17 years,” Nelson said. “I wanted my care to continue where I felt at home. It gave us peace of mind. We felt safe. We trusted the people taking care of us.” 

Today, Nelson is grateful for all the caregivers who supported him through every stage of recovery. With renewed strength and the protection of his ICD, Nelson is looking forward to more camping trips, travel adventures and time with Janice. 

Your Partner in Care 

Patients across East Tennessee have access to a coordinated network of cardiovascular services through Covenant Health. Learn more about our heart care services or talk with a healthcare provider about the options available today. 

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