Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 20, 2007
Silver Cross 3-D Mapping Procedure Heals Nursing Student’s Heart
“I never had a history of heart problems. I played soccer and wrestled during my childhood. Then one evening while I was eating dinner, my heart began to beat extremely fast. Since my heartbeat continued to race at a very fast pace for the next couple of hours, I ended up going to the hospital later that night. It was in the Emergency Department where I was diagnosed with having Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and eventually had the 3-D Mapping procedure,” said Morris resident Keith Christensen.
WPW syndrome represents an abnormality of the heart's electrical system. “In patients with WPW, there is an extra electrical connection between the atria (the upper chambers) and the ventricles (the lower chambers). This abnormal electrical connection can cause episodes of rapid heart rhythms called paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, preexcited tachycardia, or preexcited atrial fibrillation,” said Aristides De la Hera, M.D., cardiologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital.
“After reviewing Keith’s illness, it was decided the best treatment path for him was to have the 3-D Mapping procedure. I referred him to my partner, John Dongas, M.D., electrophysiologist at Silver Cross Hospital,” said Dr. De la Hera.
3-D Mapping is a relatively new procedure that allows physicians to view in real-time a three-dimensional map of a patient’s heart and then use the image to diagnose and treat complex heart rhythm problems. “This is a major improvement in cardiac care,” said Dr. Dongas. “This equipment is an adjunct to traditional procedures such as X-rays and fluoroscopy, which involve radiation and produce only two-dimensional images, which are not as accurate as 3D images for treating complex heart rhythm problems.”
In contrast, the new 3-D mapping system is a non-contact system that allows simultaneous mapping of an entire heart chamber. During the procedure, a physician guides a catheter containing 64 electrodes on a balloon into the patient’s heart chamber. “Without having to even touch the walls of Keith’s heart, the instrument received electrical impulses from over 3,000 points within the chamber,” said Dr. Dongas. “It then produced a display of a three-dimensional view of his heart on the computer, showing its electrical activity. This vital information enabled us to target the abnormal tissue for curative catheter procedures, such as ablation, and map out an electrical current to correct the path and stop his heart from beating too fast.”
“I had a great experience with Dr. Dongas,” said Keith. “He sat with me and clearly explained the entire details of the 3-D Mapping procedure. By taking the time to answer all my questions, Dr. Dongas relieved some of my anxiety. He is an excellent teacher.”
“It is important to share the details of the treatment with the patient, so they understand their treatment,” said Dr. Dongas.
“In addition to the excellent care I received from my physicians, the nursing staff on the surgery floor at Silver Cross was wonderful,” said Keith. “They were very concerned in making sure I was comfortable and all my needs were met.”
For more information about 3-D Mapping coronary procedures or other cardiovascular services available at Silver Cross Hospital, call (815) 740-7089 or visit www.silvercross.org .
Silver Cross Hospital, a not for profit healthcare provider, has been creating world-class healthcare experiences for the southwest suburban communities for over a century. Silver Cross has been recognized as one of our nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Solucient and as one of America’s Most Friendliest Hospitals by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. Exceptional care. It’s not unusual. It’s simply the way you should be treated.
Silver Cross Hospital’s cardiovascular program features two dedicated cardiac catheterization suites, a 64-slice CT scanner for improved visualization of the heart, a full range of diagnostic testing and rehabilitation and the services of five full-time cardiologists with Heartland Cardiovascular Center. The Keck Emergency Care Pavilion at Silver Cross also features a certified Chest Pain Center. Any patient who comes to the Emergency Department complaining of chest pain is immediately placed in a specially monitored bed.
Silver Cross also offers an aggressive heart disease prevention program in participation with the Women’s HeartAdvantage™ Program, a national initiative to change women’s behavior about heart disease. The program at Silver Cross Hospital is designed to increase awareness of heart disease in area women by educating them on how to recognize the risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking and obesity, and to seek immediate treatment if the are experiencing symptoms. Women can learn more by calling 1-888-660-HEAL (4325) and asking for a complimentary Women’s HeartAdvantage Kit, which includes information about discounted cardiac screenings just for women.