Cardiac Services in Grafton Extend Aurora’s Advanced Care Capabilities

In December of 2009 Michael Bonfiglio of Sussex, Wisconsin suffered a heart attack while at work in Milwaukee. He was taken to Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center where advanced capabilities, successful protocols and experienced providers were able to save his life.

Three months later, Michael was back at work when he experienced what he thought was a panic attack. "It felt like worms were moving around inside my chest," he explains. He called his cardiologist who recommended that he get to an emergency department. "Of course by the time I got to the hospital, the symptoms had gone away and the ECG showed nothing," remembers Michael. "I was sent home with a portable heart monitor that would automatically record and transmit heart rhythm disturbances that occurred at unpredictable times."

The monitor detected several episodes of abnormal heart rhythm and Michael was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib). Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often chaotic and rapid heart rate caused by misfires in the heart’s electrical system – specifically in the upper two chambers of the heart (the right and left atrium). Episodes of AFib can be sporadic or they can occur on a regular basis. While atrial fibrillation is usually not life-threatening, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications including blood clots, stroke and heart failure.

Michael was put on an anti-arrhythmic medication designed to reset the heart’s natural rhythm. "Unfortunately, the medication didn’t help and I was still having consistent AFib episodes," states Michael. "My medications were adjusted, but my AFib was never completely controlled. I felt fine, but symptoms like fatigue and weakness started to affect my work and the odd sensations in my chest were bothersome."

One year after his heart attack, and eight months after being diagnosed with AFib, Michael was planning a full hip replacement surgery. "Three weeks before the procedure I had a severe Afib incident – I thought it was another heart attack," describes Michael. "I found myself in the ER again, and at this point, my cardiologist referred me to Ryan Cooley, MD, an electrophysiologist with Aurora Advanced Healthcare." Both his cardiologist and Dr. Cooley cleared Michael for surgery.

During his recovery and rehabilitation Michael found his AFib even more troublesome and consulted Dr. Cooley for more treatment options. "One of his suggestions was radiofrequency catheter ablation," says Michael. "He also recommended that I have the procedure done at the Aurora Medical Center in Grafton."

The Aurora Medical Center in Grafton offers the only dedicated electrophysiology lab in their area. Aided by sophisticated technology, cardiac electrophysiology focuses on precise identification, diagnosis and treatment of various cardiac arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. "The new Aurora Medical Center in Grafton gives patients more flexibility and convenient access to state-of-the-art therapies provided by experienced providers," emphasizes Dr. Cooley.

During radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), a catheter is threaded through the veins and into the heart. A wire is passed through the catheter to deliver radiofrequency energy to the areas of heart muscle that trigger abnormal rhythms. These areas are identified and targeted using advanced imaging techniques. RFCA scars the tissue just enough to disconnect the abnormal electrical pathways.

On Dr. Cooley’s recommendation, Michael waited three months after his hip replacement, to allow for full recovery, before undergoing RFCA. The procedure took about 5 ½ hours and he spent one night in the hospital. "The advanced technology is only one aspect of the care I received. Dr. Cooley took the time to explain the advantages and the risks of all treatment options. He answered my questions and his sense of humor helped with any anxiety I felt.” Michael adds, “The best part is, I haven’t had an AFib incident in almost six months and I am slowly being weaned off my AFib medication."

Currently, treatments such as radiofrequency catheter ablation are considered the second line of therapy and are only considered after medications prove ineffective. Ideally, as these procedures continue to evolve and become more efficient, they will be available as the first line of treatment. Dr. Cooley stresses, "Already, robotic technology has enhanced catheter procedures by offering greater precision in catheter placement and their contact with specific tissue. And, the latest imaging equipment provides more detailed pictures using lower radiation levels."

"Patients with atrial fibrillation need to know that treatment beyond medication is available and that these new therapies provide good success rates," says Dr. Cooley.

Learn more on the heart care provided at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton.