Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 6, 2008
Silver Cross Hospital Performs Medical First
For the first time in Will County, physicians at Silver Cross Hospital recently performed an innovative new procedure called pulmonary vein isolation, also known as Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Both Dr. Ahmad Abdul-Karim and Dr. Sunil Shroff of Heartland Cardiology performed a pulmonary vein isolation to cure an atrial fibrillation, which is a very common, but frequently difficult to control abnormal heart rate or arrhythmia.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common abnormal heart rhythm condition, affecting millions of patients throughout the world. With AF, the heart's upper chambers (the atria) do not beat effectively due to abnormal electrical activity. As a result, the heart pumps blood less effectively, which can lead to shortness of breath, heart palpitations and fatigue. If left untreated, AF can dramatically increase the risk of a stroke. AF is progressive and increases in frequency and severity as patients grow older.
Previously, the procedure to correct AF, also known as pulmonary vein isolation, was only performed in selected university settings, and now Silver Cross is able to offer this procedure to its patients. Pulmonary vein isolation involves
electrically isolating parts of the left atrium from the bulk of the chamber using radio-frequency energy delivered through catheters placed into the heart via veins in the legs.
In addition, another first-time event occurred at Silver Cross whereby a new software called Ensite Fusion System, was utilized during the pulmonary vein isolation procedure. “By utilizing the Ensite Fusion System, which was recently
released by St. Jude Medical, we were able to greatly enhance our ability to see details within the heart,” said John Dongas, M.D., a cardiologist at Silver Cross Hospital who specializes in electrophysiology, a sub specialty of
cardiology that involves the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms.
“We are thrilled to be the first hospital in Illinois and one of the first of five hospitals in the world to bring this cutting edge technology and treatment to our patients,” said Paul Pawlak, President/CEO of Silver Cross Hospital.
This procedure requires very sophisticated three-dimensional mapping equipment, which Sliver Cross Hospital purchased last year. 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 uses 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.”
One of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation, Silver Cross’ cardiology 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 the services of cardiologists with Heartland Cardiovascular Center - the largest cardiology group in the area. In addition, images obtained on the 64-slice CT scanner to diagnose heart problems are interpreted in collaboration by both
Heartland Cardiologists and Radiologists with Associated Radiologists of Joliet which results in a comprehensive care plan. 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 that consists of regular cardiovascular screenings and
classes on topics such as aerobic and strength training, smoking cessation, blood pressure management, diabetes, weight loss and more.
“We're a full-service program for cardiac care,” said Marybeth Antone, Administrative Director of Cardiovascular Services at Silver Cross. “We have seen tremendous growth over the last few years in our ability to treat cardiac
conditions. The addition of this sophisticated equipment and the skill of the cardiologists in performing the A Fib Ablation procedures will most certainly enhance our reputation as a cardiac provider.”
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 for three consecutive years 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.